The Kashmir Dialogues
Srinagar July 12 (TKD): A month after the catastrophic crash of Air India flight AI171 in Ahmedabad that claimed 260 lives, the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has released its preliminary report, shedding light on a sequence of chilling technical anomalies and cockpit confusion that led to the tragedy.
The 15-page report outlines the early findings into the crash of the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, which was en route to London Gatwick. The aircraft crashed into a medical hostel complex near the airport on June 12, just moments after takeoff. Of the 241 people onboard, only one passenger miraculously survived.
Fuel Cutoff Seconds After Liftoff
The investigation revealed that both engines lost fuel supply just three seconds after liftoff. At 08:08:42 UTC, engine 1’s fuel cutoff switch was triggered, followed by engine 2’s switch one second later. This caused both engines to shut down mid-air, robbing the aircraft of crucial thrust at a critical phase of flight.
“The aircraft achieved the maximum recorded airspeed of 180 knots IAS, and immediately thereafter, the engine 1 and engine 2 fuel cutoff switches transitioned from RUN to CUTOFF, one after another,” the report states.
Cockpit Confusion Captured
The cockpit voice recorder (CVR) revealed chaos and confusion inside the flight deck as the crisis unfolded.
“One of the pilots is heard asking the other, ‘Why did you cutoff?’ to which the other responds, ‘I did not do so,'” the report notes.
Investigators are currently trying to determine whether the switches were manually triggered, activated inadvertently, or due to a possible system malfunction.
Automatic Relight Failed
Flight data showed that the aircraft systems attempted to automatically restart the engines. While engine 1 briefly responded, engine 2 failed to recover despite multiple attempts to reintroduce fuel, making sustained flight impossible.
Emergency Systems Engaged
The Ram Air Turbine (RAT), an emergency backup power generator, was deployed immediately following power loss, confirming a total electrical systems failure early into the flight.
Just 26 seconds after the engine shutdowns, at 08:09:05 UTC, one of the pilots issued a chilling mayday call:
“MAYDAY, MAYDAY, MAYDAY.”
The air traffic controller attempted to verify the call sign, but there was no further communication from the aircraft before it slammed into the BJ Medical College complex.
Final Descent and Crash Dynamics
Analysis shows that the aircraft impacted the ground with an 8-degree nose-up pitch and level wings, indicating the pilots were attempting to maintain altitude, but with no thrust, the plane could not remain airborne.
Despite thrust levers being in takeoff position during flight, they were discovered in idle position post-crash. Investigators confirmed the flaps and landing gear were in proper takeoff configuration, eliminating abnormal settings as a contributing factor.
The wreckage was strewn across more than 1,000 feet, with engines and other heavy components scattered widely—testament to the intensity of the impact.
Aircraft Was Airworthy
The AAIB confirmed that the aircraft held valid airworthiness certification and no prior fuel control issues had been logged. Minor issues recorded under the Minimum Equipment List (MEL) were deemed unrelated.
However, the report also highlights that an optional Boeing advisory related to fuel control switch locking mechanisms had not been implemented by Air India.
The aircraft’s throttle control modules were replaced in 2019 and 2023, but no fault had been recorded concerning the switches responsible for the fuel cutoff.
No Immediate Recommendations
At this stage of the investigation, the AAIB stated there are no immediate safety recommendations for other Boeing 787-8 or GE GEnx-1B engine operators or manufacturers. The report notes that component inspections, post-mortem analyses, and detailed wreckage reconstruction are still underway.
Air India and Boeing Respond
Air India stated that it is fully cooperating with the investigation. Boeing, in its brief statement, noted that it is adhering to ICAO Annex 13 protocol and will defer public commentary to the AAIB.
