Air India flight 171 crash: Preliminary probe reveals shocking mid-air fuel cut-off

KATHMANDU: In one of the deadliest aviation disasters in India’s recent history, the preliminary investigation into the crash of Air India Flight 171 has unveiled disturbing cockpit activity—both engines were shut off mid-air shortly after takeoff. The fatal crash, which occurred on June 12, 2025, in Ahmedabad, claimed 260 lives, including 241 on board and 19 on the ground, when the aircraft exploded after slamming into a hostel of BJ Medical College just moments after takeoff.

According to the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), the Boeing 787 Dreamliner took off at 1:38 PM IST from Ahmedabad en route to London. Within three seconds, both engine fuel control switches were moved from “RUN” to “CUTOFF,” resulting in a complete loss of engine power. The pilots were then recorded exchanging panicked dialogue, with one asking:

“Why did you cut off the fuel?”
The other responded: “I didn’t do it.”

The cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder, both recovered and analyzed in India with assistance from the US NTSB, UK AAIB, Boeing, and GE Aerospace, confirm that engines were reignited briefly, but the aircraft lacked sufficient altitude for recovery, crashing just 32 seconds after liftoff.

Design Flaw or Human Error?

The switches in question are protected by a locking mechanism designed to prevent accidental activation. However, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) had earlier flagged this exact component in a 2018 safety advisory, warning of possible unintentional activation. Air India reportedly ignored the recommendation since it was not mandatory.

The FAA and Boeing have now stated the switches are safe, but multiple aviation experts believe that Air India’s decision to skip the advisory may have proven fatal. The crash has once again raised serious concerns about non-compliance to global airworthiness directives.

Pilot Behavior Under Scrutiny

The investigation has not ruled out the possibility of human error or even intentional sabotage, although pilot associations have reacted strongly. The Indian Commercial Pilots’ Association (ICPA) has called any insinuation of suicide or blame on the flight crew “reckless” and demanded that media and investigators refrain from premature conclusions.

“Both pilots were experienced and medically fit. Unless proven otherwise, insinuations are baseless,” ICPA said in a statement.

Public Outcry and Demand for Accountability

Families of the deceased passengers are furious over what they describe as a “vague and inconclusive report.” They are demanding full disclosure of pilot records, maintenance logs, and manufacturer accountability.

The Ministry of Civil Aviation, under intense pressure, has formed a high-level oversight committee to monitor all Air India Dreamliner operations. The Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee has also called for a complete audit of DGCA’s regulatory lapses, especially on fleet inspections and foreign advisories.

Final Report Expected in 2026

The AAIB has committed to delivering a comprehensive final report by June 2026, which will include root-cause analysis, crew background checks, simulator reconstructions, and evaluation of the airline’s operational protocols.

This crash—dubbed by some as “India’s second Kanishka moment”—has not only tarnished the reputation of Air India but also triggered a global debate about cockpit control design, regulatory oversight, and the airline’s training standards. The world watches closely as India scrambles to reassure passengers and partners of its aviation safety integrity. From Agencies