Crash Summary
On June 12, 2025, Air India Flight AI 171, a Boeing 787‑8 (VT‑ANB) en route from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, crashed just seconds after takeoff. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has revealed that both engine fuel control switches were switched from “RUN” to “CUTOFF” within one second, causing dual-engine flameout and a rapid descent into a medical college hostel.
Timeline of Critical Events
The aircraft lifted off at 08:08:39 UTC at approximately 213,401 kg total weight with 54,200 kg of fuel. At 08:08:42 UTC, the fuel switches transitioned to cutoff. Within seconds, an emergency Ram Air Turbine (RAT) deployed, and one pilot issued a “MAYDAY” at 08:09:05 UTC before the crash occurred roughly 29–32 seconds post liftoff.
Cockpit Audio & Pilot Confusion
The cockpit voice recorder captured a startling exchange: one pilot asked, “Why did you cut off the fuel?” and the other replied, “I did not do so.” This vocal confusion suggests neither pilot intentionally switched off the fuel, deepening the mystery 0.
Technical Data & Rule‑outs
- Fuel samples: Tested satisfactory—no contamination 1.
- Flight recorders: Both black boxes recovered and decoded entirely in India—49 hours of flight data, 2 hours of cockpit audio 2.
- No bird strike or mechanical failure: Ruled out; advisory from FAA in 2018 on switch locking was not scientifically binding and not acted upon 3.
Aircraft, Crew & Statistics
The 11‑year‑old Boeing 787‑8 (delivered Jan 2014) had GE GEnx‑1B engines. Captain Sumeet Sabharwal (56; ~15,600 hrs total, ~8,600 on 787) was monitoring, while First Officer Clive Kunder (32; ~3,400 hrs total, ~1,100 on 787) was flying 4. There were 242 people onboard—241 died along with ground casualties; just one survivor 5.
Key Findings & Pending Questions
- No immediate recommendations against Boeing or GE pending final report expected ~1 year later 6.
- Pilots and aviation experts argue the report is ambiguous—especially regarding the exact moment of engine shutdown and decision-making 7.
- FAA–GE bulletin on engine ECU microprocessor issue (MN4) cited as a potential electrical fault trigger 8.
Trivia & Quizworthy Facts
- First fatal crash of a Boeing 787 worldwide.
- Fuel switches cut off just 3 seconds after takeoff.
- RAT deployment captured on CCTV footage.
- AV weight was near maximum takeoff weight.
- Black box decoding entirely conducted in India—a first time feat.
Next Steps in Investigation
Final report due within a year. It will address unanswered questions on switch activation mechanics, cockpit dynamics, potential electrical faults, and safety recommendations for Boeing, GE, and Air India operations.
Source: The Week