The report stated that the fuel cut-off switches moved from the "RUN" to the "CUTOFF" position sequentially, with a one-second interval between each transition.
Published Jul 12, 2025 | 10:26 AM ⚊ Updated Jul 12, 2025 | 10:26 AM
Air India flight AI 171 crashed near Ahmedabad shortly after takeoff, confirms chairman N Chandrasekaran
Synopsis: The AAIB’s preliminary report on the 12 June Ahmedabad Air India crash reveals both engines shut down after fuel cut-off switches moved from “RUN” to “CUTOFF” mid-air, causing the fatal crash. One pilot questioned the cut-off, which neither admitted initiating. Attempts to relight failed. Fuel quality and crew rest were satisfactory. Investigation continues with no immediate safety recommendations.
The preliminary investigation report by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) on the 12 June Ahmedabad Air India crash, which killed at least 260 people, revealed that shortly after take off, fuel supply to the aircraft’s engines was cut off, causing both engines to shut down, leading to the crash.
Flight AI 171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner (registration VT-ANB), was carrying 242 people, including two pilots and 10 crew members, when it crashed in Meghani Nagar, impacting the campus of BJ Medical College.
The tragedy claimed the lives of 241 individuals on board, with only one survivor who miraculously escaped with injuries. Additionally, 19 people, including four MBBS students on the ground lost their lives in the crash.
The report stated that the fuel cut-off switches moved from the “RUN” to the “CUTOFF” position sequentially, with a one-second interval between each transition.
The 15 page report released on Friday, 11 July, read: “The aircraft achieved the maximum recorded airspeed of 180 Knots IAS at about 08:08:42 UTC and immediately thereafter, the Engine 1 and Engine 2 fuel cut off switches transitioned from RUN to CUTOFF position one after another with a time gap of 01 sec. The Engine N1 and N2 began to decrease from their take-off values as the fuel supply to the engines was cut off.”
It further added, that in the cockpit voice recording, one of the pilots is heard asking the other why did he cut off. The other pilot responded that he did not do so.
According to the Enhanced Airborne Flight Recorder data, around 08:08:52 UTC, Engine 1’s fuel cut off switch was moved from CUTOFF to RUN, followed by Engine 2 at 08:08:56 UTC, an attempt to recover the engines.
While Engine 1 showed signs of a successful relight—its core deceleration halted and began to recover—Engine 2, although it initially relit, was unable to stabilize. Its core speed continued to decline despite multiple attempts to reintroduce fuel and restore power.
At 08:09:05 UTC the “May Day” warning was issued, and at 08:09:11 UTC the recording stopped. Soon after, the crash occurred and at 08:14:44 UTC, the airport’s Crash Fire Tender units left to respond.
It also added that fuel samples taken from the bowsers and tanks used to refuel the aircraft were tested at the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) Lab and were found satisfactory, and that both the pilots had adequate rest period before the flight.
Concluding the report, the AAIB said, “At this stage of investigation, there are no recommended actions to B787-8 and/or GE
GEnx-1B engine operators and manufacturers,” adding that, “Investigation is continuing and the investigation team will review and examine additional evidence, records and information that is being sought from the stakeholders.”
Meanwhile Air India acknowledged the report and noted that they are working closely with regulators.
They wrote on X: “Air India stands in solidarity with the families and those affected by the AI171 accident. We continue to mourn the loss and are fully committed to providing support during this difficult time. We acknowledge receipt of the preliminary report released by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) today, 12 July 2025. Air India is working closely with stakeholders, including regulators. We continue to fully cooperate with the AAIB and other authorities as their investigation progresses. Given the active nature of the investigation, we are unable to comment on specific details and refer all such enquiries to the AAIB.”
Air India stands in solidarity with the families and those affected by the AI171 accident. We continue to mourn the loss and are fully committed to providing support during this difficult time.
We acknowledge receipt of the preliminary report released by the Aircraft Accident…
— Air India (@airindia) July 11, 2025
(Edited by Sumavarsha)
