Islamabad, July 12, 2025: A preliminary report regarding the Air India passenger aircraft crash that resulted in the deaths of at least 270 individuals last month has revealed that both engines were switched off right after takeoff.
The 15-page document released Friday by India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) stated “The aircraft achieved the maximum recorded airspeed of 180 Knots IAS at about 08:08:42 UTC and immediately thereafter, the Engine 1 and Engine 2 fuel cutoff switches transitioned from RUN to CUTOFF position one after another with a time gap of 01 sec.”
This action caused both engines to lose power. Experts were able to retrieve data from the flight recorders.The Engine N1 and N2 began to decrease from their take-off values as the fuel supply to the engines was cut off.
“In the cockpit voice recording, one of the pilots is heard asking the other why did he cutoff. The other pilot responded that he did not do so,” the report mentions.
The switches were triggered three seconds after takeoff, and the flight lasted only 32 seconds before crashing. The report does not clarify how the switches were engaged. There had been no previously reported issues with the fuel control mechanisms since 2023, according to the findings.
One engine started to regain power; however, the second engine did not recover. This led to one of the pilots sending out a “MAYDAY” emergency message, the report stated.
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In its initial findings, the AAIB stated that fuel samples from the bowsers and tanks used to refuel the crashed aircraft were tested at the DGCA Lab and found satisfactory. Only a small amount of fuel was recovered from the APU filter and left wing valve, which will be tested at a specialized facility.
The report confirmed that drone-based site documentation has been completed, and the wreckage, including both engines, has been moved to a secure airport hangar for detailed examination. Investigators are also analyzing data from the Enhanced Airborne Flight Recorder for further clues.
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The Air India crash report also highlighted that the aircraft’s left engine was installed on March 26, while the right engine was fitted on May 1.
At this stage of investigation, there are no recommended actions to B787-8 and/or GE GEnx-1B engine operators and manufacturers, suggesting that no significant fault has been found with the plane or its engines,” the report notes.
Air India Flight AI171 was carrying 242 passengers and crew when it crashed in Ahmedabad on June 12, shortly after departing for London’s Gatwick Airport. Officials confirmed a sole survivor on board and at least 29 people on the ground lost their lives.
Air India confirmed that the passengers included 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, seven Portuguese nationals, and one Canadian.
