Preliminary Report Released on Air India Flight 171 Crash That Killed 260Ahmedabad/New Delhi

, July 12, 2025 — India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has released its preliminary findings into the tragic crash of Air India Flight 171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner that went down moments after takeoff from Ahmedabad on June 12, killing 260 people in one of the country’s worst aviation disasters.
The London-bound aircraft crashed into a residential neighborhood near the airport, claiming the lives of 241 passengers and crew and 19 people on the ground. The sole survivor, British national Vishwashkumar Ramesh, escaped through a rupture in the fuselage, making him the only person to walk away from the wreckage.
According to the AAIB report, both engines lost power within seconds of liftoff due to the fuel control switches transitioning from RUN to CUTOFF, effectively shutting down thrust. Cockpit voice recordings captured one pilot asking the other, “Why did you cut off?” to which the other replied, “I did not”.
The aircraft reached a maximum airspeed of 180 knots before both engines failed. Emergency systems, including the Ram Air Turbine (RAT), were deployed, and a “Mayday” call was transmitted at 13:39 IST. Despite attempts to restart the engines, the aircraft descended rapidly and crashed within 30 seconds of takeoff.
Investigators ruled out bird strikes, hazardous cargo, and adverse weather as contributing factors. The aircraft was deemed airworthy, with valid certifications and recently installed engines. However, the report noted that Air India had not acted on a 2018 FAA advisory regarding potential disengagement of fuel switch locking mechanisms, as it was non-mandatory.
The AAIB has moved wreckage and engine components to secure facilities for further analysis. A final report is expected within a year, and no immediate action has been recommended for Boeing 787-8 operators.
Air India and Boeing have expressed condolences and pledged full cooperation with the ongoing investigation. The crash marks the first fatal incident involving a Boeing 787 and has reignited scrutiny over aviation safety protocols and regulatory oversight in India.