Air India Flight 171 Crash: What The Preliminary AAIB Report Reveals?

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has released its preliminary findings into the deadly crash of Air India flight AI171, which went down moments after take-off from Ahmedabad on 12 June.

The early report highlights a sudden dual-engine shutdown, cockpit confusion, and a past safety advisory that wasn’t acted upon.

Flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, was likely to fly from Ahmedabad to London-Gatwick. It had arrived from Delhi earlier that day as flight AI423.

The report stated, “On June 12, 2025, Air India’s B787-8 aircraft bearing registration VT-ANB arrived at Ahmedabad airport operating flight AI423 from Delhi. The crew of the previous flight (AI423) had made a Pilot Defect Report (PDR) entry for status message ‘STAB POS XDCR’ in the Tech Log. The troubleshooting was carried out as per FIM by Air India’s on-duty AME, and the aircraft was released for flight at 0640 UTC.”

The flight was operated by a Mumbai-based crew. It included an experienced pilot holding an ATPL, a co-pilot with a CPL, and 10 cabin crew members. Both pilots had adequate rest prior to the flight.

A routine breath test was conducted preflight, and all crew members were found fit for duty.

A total of 230 passengers were on board, including two infants.

Takeoff and sudden engine shutdown

The AAIB report noted, “The take-off weight was within allowable limits for the given conditions. There was no ‘Dangerous Goods’ on the aircraft.”

Shortly after takeoff, the aircraft reached a maximum speed of 180 knots. Within seconds, both engine fuel control switches were moved from ‘RUN’ to ‘CUTOFF’. This caused a near-instantaneous shutdown of Engine 1 and Engine 2.

The report notes that the switch transitions occurred within just one second of each other.

Cockpit voice recordings captured a moment of confusion between the pilots. One asked, “Why did you cut off?” to which the other replied, “I did not do so.”

Airport CCTV footage confirmed that the Ram Air Turbine (RAT), which deploys during power loss, was activated moments after takeoff.

The aircraft failed to gain altitude beyond the airport perimeter and crashed shortly after a ‘Mayday’ call was made at 13:39 IST.

The initial investigation found no evidence of bird strikes or external obstruction. The engines had been recently installed and certified as airworthy, with all required documentation in place.

Engine 1 showed some restart activity, but Engine 2 failed to regain power despite several fuel injection attempts.

FAA advisory and missed inspection

The report referenced a 2018 advisory issued by the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). It warned of a potential issue with the fuel control switch locking mechanism.

Air India did not implement related inspections, as the bulletin was not mandatory.

In response to the report, Air India acknowledged the findings and reaffirmed its support to the affected families.

Taking to X, Air India posted, “Air India stands in solidarity with the families and those affected by the AI171 accident. We continue to mourn the loss and are fully committed to providing support during this difficult time.”

The airline confirmed receipt of the AAIB’s initial report and noted, “Air India is working closely with stakeholders, including regulators. We continue to fully cooperate with the AAIB and other authorities as their investigation progresses.”

Boeing also issued a statement expressing its condolences and support for the investigation.

The company stated, “Our deepest condolences go out to the loved ones of the passengers and crew on board Air India Flight 171, as well as everyone affected in Ahmedabad.”

Boeing added that it would defer to the AAIB for any official updates, in line with international aviation investigation guidelines under ICAO Annex 13.

The AAIB clarified that, at this stage, no safety directives are being issued to other Boeing 787-8 or GE GEnx-1B engine operators.

The probe remains active, with further evidence, wreckage, and components being analysed at a secure location.

A final report is expected in about a year.

Also Read: Air India, Boeing Express Grief; Support Investigation After Ahmedabad Crash Findings