A preliminary report is out on the Air India flight AI 171 crash. The flight crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad. The report highlights a sudden engine cutoff. Pilots were confused about the engine shutdown. Emergency systems failed to prevent the crash. The AAIB found FAA issued advisory about fuel switch issue. Air India did not carry out suggested inspections.
(AAIB) released a 15-page preliminary report on the Air India AI 171 Ahmedabad - Gatwick, London flight which crashed into the BJ Medical College in 32 seconds after the take off on June 12.
In the wee hours on Saturday, the AAIB has issued a critical sequence of events immediately following liftoff has emerged as the central focus. According to data retrieved from the Enhanced Airborne Flight Recorder (EAFR), at approximately 08:08:42 UTC, after reaching a maximum recorded airspeed of 180 Knots IAS, "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 uncommanded action led to a rapid and critical loss of thrust as the fuel supply to both engines was interrupted, causing their N1 and N2 values to rapidly decrease, according to the report. Cockpit voice recordings captured a moment of confusion between the pilots. One pilot was heard asking, “Why did you cut off?” The other responded, “I did not do so.”
Despite emergency systems, including the Ram Air Turbine (RAT), deploying and attempting to relight the engines, the aircraft was at a very low altitude. The EAFR recording ceased just 29 seconds after the uncommanded engine cutoff, at 08:09:11 UTC, the report added.
The report added: "At this stage of investigation, there are no recommended actions to B787-8 and/or GE GEnx-1B engine operators and manufacturers".
While AAIB found mandatory Airworthiness Directives (ADs) and Alert Service Bulletins (ASBs) were “complied with”, the report highlights a significant advisory from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The FAA had issued Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin (SAIB) No. NM-18-33 on December 17, 2018, concerning "the potential disengagement of the fuel control switch locking feature" on Model 737 airplanes, a design similar to the part number 4TL837-3D fitted in the B787-8 aircraft VT-ANB. The FAA did not deem this an unsafe condition warranting a mandatory Airworthiness Directive (AD), thus it remained advisory. According to Air India, "the suggested inspections were not carried out as the SAIB was advisory and not mandatory." Air India said it has “acknowledged receipt” of the AAIB's preliminary findings released on 12 July 2025.
The airline added that it “continues to fully cooperate” with the AAIB, regulators, and all other stakeholders as the inquiry moves forward.
Because the probe is still under way, Air India added it is “unable to comment on specific details” and directed further questions to the AAIB.
Boeing President and CEO Kelly Ortberg said, “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. I have spoken with Air India Chairman N. Chandrasekaran to offer our full support, and a Boeing team stands ready to support the investigation led by India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau.”
Boeing will defer to India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) to provide information about Air India Flight 171, in adherence with the United Nations International Civil Aviation Organization protocol known as Annex 13.
