While the final investigation report is expected to take around a year, the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has released its preliminary findings into the fatal crash of Air India flight AI171—a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner that went down shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025. The report highlights a near-simultaneous shutdown of both engines, confusion in the cockpit, and safety oversights.
According to a media report, the aircraft was scheduled to operate the Ahmedabad–London Gatwick route. It had arrived earlier that day from Delhi as flight AI423, during which a “STAB POS XDCR” status message was logged by the previous crew. Air India engineers performed troubleshooting, and the aircraft was cleared for the next flight.
Flight AI171 was manned by an experienced crew: a pilot holding an Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL) and a co-pilot with a Commercial Pilot License (CPL), along with 10 cabin crew members. Both pilots were based in Mumbai, had arrived a day earlier, and had adequate rest. Preflight breath analyzer tests found both fit to fly.
There were 230 passengers onboard, including 15 in business class, 215 in economy, and two infants. The aircraft’s take-off weight was within permissible limits, and no dangerous goods were onboard.
Seconds After Takeoff, Both Engines Shut Down
The aircraft lifted off from Ahmedabad airport at 13:38 IST. According to flight data, it reached a maximum airspeed of 180 knots at 08:08:42 UTC—just seconds after liftoff. Almost immediately, both Engine 1 and Engine 2 fuel control switches moved from “RUN” to “CUTOFF,” one after the other, within a second. As fuel supply was cut off, the engine speeds began to drop.
Cockpit voice recordings captured one pilot asking the other, “Why did you cut off?” The other responded, “I didn’t.”
CCTV footage confirmed the deployment of the Ram Air Turbine (RAT), indicating a total loss of electrical power shortly after takeoff. No bird activity or external obstruction was observed, ruling out bird strikes as a cause. The aircraft began to lose altitude rapidly and failed to clear the airport perimeter.
Though Engine 1 showed signs of re-ignition, Engine 2 failed to restart despite multiple fuel injections. A “Mayday” call was sent out at 13:39 IST, just one minute after liftoff.
Safety Advisory Overlooked
The AAIB report notes that while the aircraft was deemed airworthy—with its Airworthiness Review Certificate (ARC) valid until May 2026—Air India had not acted on a 2018 U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) advisory. The bulletin had warned of a potential issue where the fuel control switch lock could inadvertently disengage. Since the advisory was not mandatory, the airline had not implemented it.
The engines had been recently installed—one in March, the other in May 2025—further adding to the mystery surrounding the sudden shutdown.
Air India and Boeing Respond
In a public statement, Air India expressed its condolences:
“Air India stands in solidarity with the families and those affected by the AI171 accident. We acknowledge receipt of the preliminary report released by AAIB and are fully cooperating with authorities. Given the ongoing nature of the investigation, we will refrain from commenting on specific details.”
Boeing also issued a statement following the report’s release:
“Our thoughts remain with the loved ones of those on board AI171 and those affected on the ground in Ahmedabad. We continue to support the investigation in accordance with international protocols.”
Next Steps in the Investigation
While the AAIB has not issued immediate safety recommendations to Boeing 787-8 or GE GEnx-1B engine operators, the investigation remains active. The wreckage and engine parts have been moved to a secure location for further examination. Additional records and evidence are being collected from all stakeholders.
The final report, expected in mid-2026, is likely to provide deeper insights into what caused this catastrophic failure.