A Tragedy That Shook the Skies
On June 12, 2025, Air India Flight AI 171, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, crashed just 32 seconds after takeoff from Ahmedabad Airport, en route to London Gatwick. The crash claimed 260 lives, including passengers, crew, and civilians on the ground, making it the deadliest aviation disaster in India in decades and the first fatal crash involving a Boeing 787 globally.
AAIB Preliminary Crash Report: Engine Shutdown Mystery
According to the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), both engines of the aircraft shut down mid-air when their fuel cutoff switches transitioned from RUN to CUTOFF within one second of each other. This led to a total loss of thrust, triggering the deployment of the Ram Air Turbine (RAT) — a backup power source used during complete engine failure.
The cockpit voice recorder captured a chilling exchange:
“Why did you cut off?”
“I didn’t.”
This suggests neither pilot initiated the shutdown, raising concerns about a mechanical fault, software glitch, or human error.
Aircraft Details
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Aircraft Type | Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner |
| Registration | VT-ANB |
| Engines | GE GEnx-1B67 |
| Age | 11 years |
| Occupants | 242 (230 passengers, 12 crew) |
| Fatalities | 260 (including 19 on the ground) |
What the AAIB Found
- No bird strikes, fuel contamination, or weather issues were detected
- Engine relight attempts were made but failed to stabilize thrust
- Thrust levers were found in idle, but flight data showed takeoff thrust was still engaged
- FAA advisory on fuel switch flaws had not been implemented by Air India
Expert Theories: TCMA and FADEC Under Scrutiny
Aviation experts suggest a possible failure in the Thrust Control Malfunction Accommodation (TCMA) or Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC) systems. These systems regulate engine thrust and may have misinterpreted the aircraft’s status, causing an uncommanded shutdown.
The Sole Survivor
One passenger, seated near an emergency exit, miraculously survived. He escaped through a break in the fuselage and was seen walking away from the wreckage before being hospitalized with minor injuries.
Impact on Air India and Flights
Following the crash, Air India suspended several Boeing 787 and 777 flights and initiated enhanced safety checks across its fleet. The airline also faced scrutiny over its maintenance protocols and response to FAA advisories.
What’s Next?
The final AAIB crash report is expected within a year. Meanwhile, international agencies including the NTSB, FAA, and Boeing are assisting in the investigation.
