Particle.news

Download on the App Store

AAIB Preliminary Report Finds Dual Fuel Cutoff Led to Air India Flight AI171 Crash

Investigators reported that both engines lost fuel supply seconds after takeoff, triggering emergency power; the findings have prompted questions about potential procedural errors or intentional switch movements.

Image
FILE PHOTO: Tail of an Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner plane that crashed is seen stuck on a building after the incident in Ahmedabad, India, June 12, 2025. REUTERS/Amit Dave/File Photo
A police officer stands in front of the wreckage of an Air India aircraft, bound for London's Gatwick Airport, which crashed during take-off from an airport in Ahmedabad, India June 12, 2025. REUTERS/Adnan Abidi/File Photo
Image

Overview

  • The AAIB report shows both engine fuel control switches moved from RUN to CUTOFF within one second just after liftoff, causing sudden thrust loss.
  • Cockpit voice recordings capture one pilot asking “Why did you cutoff?” and the other denying action, underscoring confusion over the shutdown.
  • Activation of the ram air turbine confirmed a complete loss of engine-driven power during the aircraft’s initial climb.
  • Early analysis has found no mechanical or design defects in the Boeing 787 Dreamliner or its GE GEnx engines.
  • Investigators are probing possible pilot procedural mistakes or deliberate actions and have not ruled out sabotage ahead of a full inquiry.