Preliminary findings suggest both engine fuel switches were moved to cutoff, causing complete thrust loss. Pilot confusion and emergency responses are under intense review.
Air India 787 Crash: Preliminary Report Reveals Fuel Switch Movement and Pilot Confusion
Tragedy Revisited
On June 12, 2025, Air India Flight AI 171—a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner—crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad en route to London Gatwick. The crash resulted in the tragic loss of 260 lives, including 241 onboard and 19 people on the ground. The aircraft collided with a hostel building near the airport, triggering a massive explosion and fire.
Only one passenger survived, making the incident one of the deadliest aviation disasters in recent Indian history.
Key Findings from the Preliminary Report
- Fuel Cutoff Switches Flipped: Flight data and cockpit voice recordings confirmed that both engine fuel control switches were moved from the “RUN” position to “CUTOFF” shortly after takeoff. This simultaneous movement led to immediate engine shutdown.
- Loss of Thrust and Emergency Systems Deployed: As both engines lost power, the aircraft automatically deployed its Ram Air Turbine (RAT) to maintain essential systems. Despite attempts to relight the engines, there was insufficient altitude and time to recover.
- Pilot Confusion in Cockpit: Audio transcripts captured an exchange between the pilots with one asking, “Why did you cutoff?” and the other responding, “I didn’t.” This indicates potential confusion or miscommunication in a high-pressure moment.
- No External Interference: Investigators found no signs of bird strike, sabotage, or external damage. The focus remains on human error or an internal mechanical malfunction.
- Design Questions Raised: The switches in question are designed with safety mechanisms to prevent accidental engagement. Their movement under standard conditions raises serious concerns, either about intentional pilot action or overlooked system vulnerabilities.
Why This Incident Matters
This was the first known instance of both engines shutting down on a 787 Dreamliner during takeoff. The implications are vast:
- If caused by human error, it suggests a need to revisit training, cockpit layout, and mental workload under pressure.
- If mechanical or design-related, manufacturers may be required to redesign certain cockpit features to improve safety.
- It underscores the critical danger of any failure during takeoff—where altitude and time to respond are at their most limited.
The tragedy also raises broader questions around airline protocols, emergency preparedness, and aircraft design resilience.
Survivor’s Story
Only one person survived the crash: a young male passenger seated in the rear of the aircraft. Found several meters from the wreckage, he suffered serious injuries but is expected to recover. His account, though limited, may become critical in verifying what occurred during those final moments.
Investigation and Regulatory Response
Authorities have confirmed:
- A Court of Inquiry is underway, with full cooperation from aviation safety boards and airline engineers.
- Additional inspections of fuel switch mechanisms are being carried out across the airline’s Dreamliner fleet.
- No immediate grounding of the fleet has occurred, but monitoring protocols have intensified.
Though the switches were not previously identified as high-risk components, this event may lead to mandatory design changes or software-based interlocks to prevent such occurrences in the future.
Global Repercussions
The incident has drawn attention from aviation authorities worldwide. Pilots’ unions are calling for greater transparency, improved cockpit interface training, and further investment in pilot fatigue research. Additionally, airlines are reviewing internal checklists and emergency response protocols during takeoff phases.
Aircraft manufacturers, too, may face scrutiny over historical advisory notes related to fuel switch configurations and potential overrides.
The Last Flight
The preliminary crash report offers a stark reminder that in aviation, even small failures—or split-second decisions—can have catastrophic consequences. Whether this tragedy stemmed from human error, equipment malfunction, or an unanticipated systems failure, it is a sobering wake-up call for the global aviation community.
The memory of the lives lost must serve as a catalyst for change. From engineering reviews to enhanced pilot training and oversight, the path ahead must be one of accountability, action, and most importantly, prevention.
The skies may be busy, but every flight must remain safe—because in the end, safety is not optional. It is the foundation of trust every passenger carries with them when they board.
Also read: Vadodara Bridge Collapse: 9 Dead, Multiple Vehicles Plunge into Mahi Sagar River
Last Updated on: Saturday, July 12, 2025 10:57 am by Aaron T | Published by: Aaron T on Saturday, July 12, 2025 10:57 am | News Categories: News
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