Air India Crash: Fuel Shutoff Caused Boeing 787 to Fall Just 34 Seconds After Takeoff, Finds AAIB Report
In one of the most tragic aviation disasters in recent Indian history, Air India Flight 171 crashed just 34 seconds after taking off from Ahmedabad airport on June 12, 2025. According to the initial report released by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) on Saturday, both engines of the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner shut down mid-air due to the fuel control switches being moved from ‘RUN’ to ‘CUTOFF’ position, leading to the aircraft's immediate failure.
Fuel Supply Cut Off Seconds After Takeoff
The probe report reveals that within three seconds of lift-off, both fuel switches—responsible for supplying fuel to the engines—transitioned from 'RUN' to 'CUTOFF', completely halting engine function. The aircraft lost all engine power while still climbing, and plummeted to the ground within 34 seconds of leaving the runway.
The aircraft crashed into a residential area near the airport, resulting in the death of 241 passengers, multiple individuals on the ground, and injuries to dozens. Only one passenger is confirmed to have survived.
Cockpit Voice Recorder Suggests Miscommunication
The Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) has become a central piece of the investigation. According to the audio, one pilot questioned the other, saying “Why did you cut off?”, to which the second responded, “I did not do so.” This implies a serious case of confusion or miscommunication between the pilots during a critical moment.
The pilot flying the aircraft was co-pilot Clive Kundar, while the pilot-in-command, Sumeet Sabharwal, was acting as the monitoring pilot.
- Sabharwal had over 8,600 hours of flying experience on Boeing 787s.
- Kundar had logged over 1,100 hours.
Both pilots were reportedly well-rested before the flight, as per AAIB.
Attempted Restart Failed; No External Issues Found
After the engines shut down, the pilots quickly returned the fuel control switches to the ‘RUN’ position, and EGT (Exhaust Gas Temperature) levels spiked—signaling an attempt to relight the engines. However, the effort was unsuccessful.
The 15-page preliminary report also confirms that:
- Weather conditions were normal at the time of takeoff.
- Aircraft weight was within safe limits.
- All airworthiness directives and engine bulletins were complied with.
FAA Had Flagged Fuel Switch Risks in 2018
The report noted that in 2018, the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) had issued a Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin (SAIB) regarding potential disengagement of the fuel control switch locking feature on Boeing 787 aircraft.
However, Air India did not inspect or modify the switches since the FAA bulletin was advisory and not mandatory. This detail could become critical in determining preventability and accountability.
No Action Yet for Boeing 787 Fleet
As of now, AAIB has not issued any recommendations to ground or inspect other Boeing 787-8 aircraft or GE GEnx-1B engines. The investigation is ongoing, and more data is being collected.
AAIB stated:
"The investigation team will continue to examine additional evidence, records, and information from stakeholders."
Air India Responds to the Findings
Shortly after the report was made public, Air India issued a statement on social media platform X (formerly Twitter):
"We continue to mourn the loss and are fully committed to providing support during this difficult time. Air India is working closely with stakeholders, including regulators."
Tragic Toll: Over 270 Lives Lost
This crash marks one of the deadliest air disasters in Indian aviation history.
- 241 of 242 people onboard were killed
- Multiple people on the ground lost their lives
- Only one passenger survived the impact
- Entire families were wiped out in the crash zone
The final AAIB report, expected in the coming months, will aim to answer key questions about pilot training, aircraft design, system vulnerabilities, and operational protocols.
Final Thoughts by TheTrendingPeople
This tragedy underscores the urgent need for tighter safety checks, stronger enforcement of international advisories, and more robust cockpit communication training. While investigations are still ongoing, the early findings raise serious concerns about design flaws and flight deck procedures. Air travel is among the safest modes of transport, but disasters like this demand continuous improvement in aviation oversight. The families of those lost deserve both answers and accountability.