Air India AI171 Crash: Engines Shut Down Seconds After Takeoff, Fuel Switch Mystery Deepens

India’s Aviation Industry Shaken by AI171 Catastrophe

India’s aviation sector is grappling with shock and grief after Air India Flight AI171 tragically crashed on June 12, 2025. The Boeing 787-8, tail number VT-ANB, was bound for London Gatwick when disaster struck just moments after departing from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport.

The crash claimed 241 lives—including 229 passengers and 12 crew—while causing further devastation on the ground, with 19 fatalities and 67 injuries. Only one passenger survived, highlighting the staggering scale of the tragedy.

Flight Details and Timeline of Events

• Flight Number: AI171

• Route: Ahmedabad (AMD) → London Gatwick (LGW)

• Aircraft: Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner (VT-ANB)

• Crash Time: June 12, 2025, 13:39 IST

• Fatalities: 241 onboard, 19 on the ground

• Survivors: 1 passenger

• Crash Site: Near BJ Medical College hostel, Ahmedabad

Investigators released precise timeline data revealing how swiftly the crisis unfolded:

• V1 Speed (Decision Speed): 08:08:33 UTC

• Rotation (Lift-off): 08:08:39

• Both engines lost power: 08:08:42

• Ram Air Turbine (RAT) deployed: 08:08:47

• Mayday call issued: 08:09:05

• The impact occurred seconds later

Engines Shut Down Mysteriously After Takeoff

According to the preliminary report from India’s Air Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), AI171’s takeoff initially proceeded without incident. However, just seconds into the climb, both engine fuel control switches shifted from RUN to CUTOFF, cutting fuel flow and causing immediate power loss.

Flight data indicates that the aircraft lifted off at approximately 180 knots. Within three seconds, both engines shut down, leaving the crew with minimal time to react.

Cockpit voice recordings reveal a chilling exchange:

Pilot 1: “Why did you cut off?”
Pilot 2: “I didn’t.”

Such confusion underscores that neither pilot believed they had intentionally moved the switches.

The fuel switches feature protective locks requiring a deliberate lift-and-toggle action, making accidental activation highly improbable.

Known Fuel Switch Issue Adds Complexity

The investigation is examining whether this double engine shutdown might be tied to a known technical concern. A 2018 FAA advisory highlighted rare cases of uncommanded fuel switch movement in certain aircraft. However, Air India reportedly did not inspect the switches since the directive was not mandatory.

No evidence yet confirms mechanical failure or human error as the cause. Investigators from Boeing, GE Aerospace, the FAA, the NTSB, and the UK’s Air Accidents Investigation Branch are collaborating to analyse the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) and Flight Data Recorder (FDR) for deeper clues.

Other Key Findings So Far

• Fuel Quality: No contamination detected; fuel met required standards.

• Weight & Balance: Within normal limits.

• Engines: Both were recently installed in early 2025 and are fully maintained.

• No prior defects: No issues reported in control systems or engines before flight.

Despite attempts to restart at least one engine around 08:08:52, the aircraft lost altitude rapidly. It crashed into buildings near the BJ Medical College hostel, leaving a debris field spanning roughly 1,000 ft by 400 ft.

Industry Impact: One of India’s Worst Air Disasters

The loss of AI171 stands as one of India’s deadliest aviation accidents, shaking confidence across the travel and aviation sectors. For B2B travel professionals, the incident raises critical questions about:

• Fleet reliability: Even modern aircraft like the Boeing 787-8 can encounter unexpected failures.

• Maintenance compliance: Balancing mandatory vs. non-mandatory advisories.

• Crisis preparedness: Ensuring airlines have robust emergency procedures and crew training.

Industry experts emphasise that rigorous safety updates and transparent communication are vital for maintaining traveller trust, especially for corporate planners and consolidators managing high-volume international itineraries.

What’s Next in the Investigation?

Authorities are focused on several urgent lines of inquiry:

• Mechanical analysis of the fuel switches for possible defects

• Pilot actions and cockpit procedures to rule out operational error

• Design assessments of the Boeing 787’s fuel control architecture

A final AAIB report is anticipated in the coming months. The aviation community awaits its findings, hoping they lead to improved safety measures and prevention of similar catastrophes.

Conclusion: Industry Must Stay Vigilant

The AI171 crash starkly reminds the aviation industry that even the most advanced aircraft can encounter sudden, unexplained failures. For B2B travel agents, consolidators, and corporate travel planners, it’s essential to monitor emerging safety advisories, assess airline partners rigorously, and maintain contingency plans for clients.

This story is far from over. The final investigation results may reshape operational protocols across the industry.

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