Air India Crash Report Reveals Fuel Cutoff, Raises More Questions
A preliminary investigation into one of the deadliest aviation disasters in the last decade has uncovered a crucial detail: both engines of Air India Flight AI171 lost power shortly after takeoff due to an abrupt cutoff in fuel supply. While this discovery identifies the immediate trigger, it also raises deeper questions about how such a catastrophic failure occurred.
The Boeing 787 Dreamliner, bound for London Gatwick, had just departed from Ahmedabad on June 12 when it crashed into a densely populated area, killing 241 of the 242 passengers and crew on board, along with 19 people on the ground. The aircraft struck the BJ Medical College hostel, causing widespread destruction and mourning across the nation.
Fuel Supply Cut Midair
According to India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), black box data revealed the plane had reached a speed of 180 knots when the fuel control switches for both engines were manually flipped from “RUN” to “CUTOFF” within one second of each other. This action abruptly shut off fuel to the engines. Although the switches were quickly returned to the “RUN” position, and one engine began to restart, it was too late—the aircraft had lost too much altitude and crashed moments later.
The cockpit voice recorder captured a brief exchange between the pilots. One asked, “Why did you cut off?” The other replied, “I didn’t.” The report does not clarify who made these statements, adding to the growing mystery surrounding the incident.
Was It Human Error or a Technical Glitch?
While the report clearly states the engines lost power due to the fuel cutoff, it does not explain how or why the switches were moved. On the Boeing 787, these switches are located behind the throttle levers and are guarded by metal barriers to prevent accidental activation. Flipping them requires a deliberate and firm action.
Veteran air crash investigator Geoffrey Dell expressed skepticism over the possibility of an accidental switch. “There’s simply no logical reason a pilot would shut down both engines immediately after takeoff,” he said, calling the move consistent with post-landing shutdown procedures—not something used in flight.
A 2018 FAA bulletin did identify a potential flaw in the locking mechanism for the fuel switches, but since the issue wasn’t considered critical, Air India did not inspect its aircraft for the problem.
Mechanical Failure or Sabotage?
The lack of clarity over who flipped the switches—and why—has led some experts to consider less conventional possibilities, including mechanical malfunction or sabotage. The mystery deepens due to the absence of a full cockpit transcript, which could provide essential context.
Former pilot Ehsan Khalid emphasized that conclusions should not be rushed. “We know the engines lost power, but we don’t know the intent or cause behind it,” he said. “Until we do, we cannot assign blame.”
Air India and Government Response
India’s Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu urged the public to wait for the final investigation report, which is expected in the coming months. Air India, meanwhile, has acknowledged receipt of the preliminary report and pledged full cooperation with investigators.
“We are committed to transparency and to supporting the families of those affected,” the airline stated in a press release.
As the investigation continues, the aviation world watches closely, seeking answers to a tragedy that should never have happened—and hoping such a disaster never occurs again.
