Preliminary Report Released on Air India Boeing 787 Crash

On July 11, 2025, investigators released a preliminary report detailing the tragic crash of an Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner that occurred shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad, India, on June 12, 2025. The incident resulted in the deaths of 241 of the 242 individuals on board, as well as 19 casualties on the ground, marking a significant aviation disaster.

According to the report issued by India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau, both engines of the aircraft shut down within one second of each other, as the plane attempted to ascend. The fuel control switches for the engines transitioned from the 'run' to 'cutoff' settings during takeoff, leading to a loss of engine power that prevented the aircraft from gaining altitude. The cockpit voice recordings revealed a crucial exchange between the two pilots in which one questioned the other about the fuel cutoff, suggesting confusion on the flight deck regarding the engine controls.

The aircraft, which had a takeoff weight within permissible limits and was free of hazardous materials, crashed into a medical hostel approximately one mile from the airport just under a minute after liftoff. This incident represents the first fatal crash involving the Boeing 787, a model known for its advanced technology and safety features.

The preliminary findings have prompted a thorough investigation, with support from the civil aviation authorities of the United States and the United Kingdom, as multiple citizens from these countries were aboard the flight. No immediate recommendations for corrective actions have been made against Boeing or General Electric, the engine manufacturer, although further analysis of the cockpit recordings and system operations will be critical to understanding the sequence of events leading to the crash.

Experts in aviation safety have cautioned against hastily attributing blame to pilot error. Joe Jacobsen, a retired safety engineer from the Federal Aviation Administration, stated, “I don’t think we know that yet. It could be a system failure that causes this to happen.” Mike Dostert, another former FAA engineer, noted the importance of understanding whether the fuel control switches made audible sounds during their operation, as this detail could provide insight into whether the pilots inadvertently activated the cutoff.

The investigation, adhering to guidelines set by the International Civil Aviation Organization, will continue to explore all factors contributing to this unprecedented accident. Both Boeing and General Electric have expressed their commitment to supporting the investigation process, while also extending condolences to the families of the victims. The aviation community remains on high alert as further details emerge, and officials work diligently to uncover the truth behind this catastrophic event.