A preliminary investigation into the devastating crash of Air India flight AI171 has revealed that both engine fuel switches were moved to the “cutoff” position just seconds after takeoff, leading to the fatal crash that killed 260 people in Ahmedabad on 12 June 2025.
According to India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner lost power as the fuel supply to both engines was cut. The aircraft, en route to London, crashed into a densely populated area, killing 241 onboard and 19 people on the ground, including several in a medical hostel.
The cockpit voice recorder captured one pilot questioning the other about why the fuel was cut off—who responded that he did not do it. It remains unclear who made the decision, or how the switches were moved, as they cannot be flipped accidentally, according to aviation experts.
The commanding pilot, Sumeet Sabharwal, 56, had over 15,000 flight hours and was also an instructor. The co-pilot, Clive Kunder, 32, had around 3,400 hours. Experts note that cutting fuel in mid-flight is extremely rare and typically only used in emergencies, yet no such emergency was indicated in the report.
One engine briefly restarted, but it was too late to recover from the rapid deceleration. The crash obliterated five buildings and injured many. Remarkably, there was one survivor—British national Vishwash Kumar Ramesh—who crawled out of the fuselage. His brother, also on board, died in the crash.
Air India has acknowledged the report and expressed condolences, promising continued cooperation with investigators. The US National Transportation Safety Board and Federal Aviation Administration are also assisting, with no faults found in the aircraft or engines.
The AAIB ruled out bird strikes or external factors, focusing the inquiry squarely on the cockpit actions. Both black boxes were recovered within days of the crash.
The full investigation is ongoing.
