Follow TNM's WhatsApp channel for news updates and story links.
Air India Flight AI171 crashed just 34 seconds after take-off from Ahmedabad when both engines shut down mid-air due to the abrupt movement of the fuel control switches from ‘Run’ to ‘Cutoff’. A preliminary report by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) released on Saturday, July 12, said an attempt was made to relight the engines again, but only one engine responded before the thrust failed.
The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, en route to London Gatwick, lost thrust on both engines almost simultaneously, triggered by a sudden cutoff in fuel supply. The cockpit voice recorder captured a moment of panic: one pilot asked, “Why did you cut off?” to which the other responded, “I did not do so.” The brief exchange suggested either a technical fault or grave miscommunication during a critical flight phase.
Co-pilot Clive Kundar was flying the aircraft, while Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, with over 8,600 hours of Boeing 787 experience, was the pilot monitoring. Kundar had logged more than 1,100 hours on the aircraft. Both pilots were reported to have received sufficient rest before the flight, and the aircraft was within weight and performance limits.
According to the AAIB’s 15-page report, within seconds of liftoff, the twin-engine jet reached 180 knots when both engines lost power. The switches were moved back to ‘Run’ shortly afterwards in an apparent attempt to relight the engines. The Exhaust Gas Temperature (EGT) readings showed a brief recovery attempt, but only one engine responded momentarily before thrust failed again.
The aircraft plummeted and crashed into the BJ Medical College hostel premises, killing 241 passengers and crew along with 19 individuals on the ground, bringing the total death toll to 260. CCTV footage showed deployment of the Ram Air Turbine (RAT), a backup power system triggered by engine failure, further confirming total loss of power.
The report ruled out weather issues and bird strikes. While the forward flight recorder was successfully downloaded, the rear unit was too badly damaged. Throttles remained in takeoff setting until impact but were found in idle position post-crash due to thermal damage.
The probe also cited a 2018 advisory from the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) warning about potential disengagement of the fuel switch locking mechanism. However, as the advisory was non-mandatory, Air India had not conducted the recommended inspection.
“All applicable Airworthiness Directives and Alert Service Bulletins were complied with,” the report noted. At this stage, no safety advisories have been issued to other Boeing 787-8 or GE GEnx-1B engine operators.
Following the release of the report, Air India, in a statement, said, “We continue to mourn the loss and are fully committed to providing support during this difficult time. Air India is working closely with stakeholders, including regulators.”
The investigation remains ongoing, and further technical data and evidence from stakeholders are being examined by the AAIB.
(With IANS inputs)