Ahmedabad – A month after Air India Flight 171 crashed moments after takeoff from Ahmedabad, killing all 260 people on board, India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) released its preliminary report on Friday, identifying a critical mid-air engine shutdown as the key contributor to the tragedy.
The 15-page report, covering the crash that occurred on June 12, provides the first official reconstruction of the final moments of the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner that plunged into flames just outside the airport boundary.
“Immediately after reaching 180 knots airspeed, both engines’ fuel cutoff switches were moved from ‘RUN’ to ‘CUTOFF’, cutting fuel supply,” the report states.
Engine Cutoff and Cockpit Confusion
At exactly 08:08:42 UTC, the aircraft hit a speed of 180 knots—its peak during takeoff. Within one second, both Engine 1 and Engine 2 had their fuel cutoff switches flipped, stopping fuel supply and reducing thrust.
The cockpit voice recorder captured a chilling exchange:
Pilot 1: “Why did you cut off?”
Pilot 2: “I did not do so.”
The AAIB has not yet confirmed how or why the switches were flipped, and whether it was accidental, mechanical, or human error.
Attempted Engine Relight Fails to Save Flight
Engine relight was attempted within 10 seconds. Engine 1 showed signs of recovery, but Engine 2 failed to regain sufficient core speed despite repeated fuel injections.
“Engine 2 was able to relight but could not arrest core speed deceleration,” the report notes.
‘MAYDAY’ Call and Crash
At 08:09:05 UTC, one of the pilots issued a MAYDAY call, but Air Traffic Control (ATC) could not confirm the call sign before the aircraft crashed outside the airport boundary.
The Emergency Aircraft Flight Recorder stopped at 08:09:11 UTC, just before impact. Emergency responders arrived within five minutes, but the aircraft was already engulfed in flames, leaving no survivors.
No Blame Assigned Yet
The AAIB has not assigned fault to either Boeing or engine manufacturer General Electric, pending further investigation. The final report will determine whether design, maintenance, or human error was the root cause.
This is India’s deadliest aviation disaster in over two decades.
Quick Facts – AI171 Crash:
- Date: June 12, 2025
- Aircraft: Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner
- Flight Path: Ahmedabad to London
- Fatalities: 260
- Engines: Both shut down mid-air
- MAYDAY issued: 6 seconds before crash
- Cause (preliminary): Dual engine fuel cutoff & failed restart