Preliminary Report Reveals Fuel Cutoff Before Air India Jet Crash

On June 12, 2025, Air India flight AI171 tragically crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad's Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, resulting in the loss of 260 lives, including both passengers and individuals on the ground. A preliminary report released by India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau has unveiled that the fuel supply to the aircraft's engines was cut off just before the crash, leading to a catastrophic failure during ascent.

The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, which was en route to London Gatwick, had taken off with 242 individuals on board, comprising 169 Indian citizens, 53 British nationals, seven Portuguese, and one Canadian. Investigators recovered crucial data from the aircraft's black boxes, which included 49 hours of flight data and two hours of cockpit audio, revealing alarming details about the moments leading up to the incident.

According to the report, both fuel control switches in the cockpit were flipped from the 'RUN' position to 'CUTOFF' within a one-second interval. The cockpit voice recorder captured a brief exchange between the pilots, in which one questioned why the fuel cutoff had occurred, to which the other denied any action. This exchange suggests potential confusion or miscommunication in the cockpit, a critical factor in understanding the cause of the crash.

Industry experts note that the design of fuel cutoff switches, which are located between the pilots' seats and protected by a locking mechanism, is intended to prevent accidental activation. David Soucie, an aviation safety analyst, stated, “Throughout the years, those switches have been improved to ensure they cannot be accidentally moved.” Such occurrences of simultaneous cutoff of both engines are extremely rare, raising concerns about either human error or mechanical failure.

Additionally, airport surveillance footage indicated the deployment of the Ram Air Turbine, an emergency power source, during the aircraft’s initial climb. The aircraft attempted to regain altitude but began losing control before colliding with the BJ Medical College and Hospital hostel, further compounding the tragedy.

Investigators confirmed that the aircraft was within the allowable takeoff weight limits, and all flight configurations were appropriate for departure. The left and right engines had recently undergone maintenance, with the left engine being installed on March 26 and the right on May 1, 2025. Furthermore, tests conducted on the fuel revealed it to be satisfactory, with no significant bird activity recorded in the vicinity of the flight path.

In the aftermath of the disaster, Air India has expressed its condolences, affirming its commitment to cooperate fully with the ongoing investigation. The airline released a statement saying, “Air India stands in solidarity with the families and those affected by the AI171 accident and is fully committed to providing support during this difficult time.”

As the investigation continues, the aviation community is closely monitoring findings related to pilot training, cockpit resource management, and the reliability of safety mechanisms designed to prevent such occurrences. The implications of this crash extend beyond Air India, prompting discussions around aviation safety protocols and the necessity for enhanced training to avert future tragedies in commercial aviation.