Air India Plane Crash Report: Mystery, Reaction and Unanswered Questions.
On June 12, 2025, the world was shocked by a tragic plane crash. An Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft crashed just 40 seconds after taking off from Ahmedabad to London's Gatwick Airport, killing 260 people. The incident has been identified as the world's worst air disaster in a decade. India's Air Accidents Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has released a preliminary report that has revealed some shocking facts, but many questions remain unanswered.
Summary of the Accident
- Date and time: 12 June 2025, 13:39 local time (GMT 08:09)
- Place of departure: Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, Ahmedabad
- Destination: London Gatwick Airport
- Aircraft model: Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner (age 11)
- Number of fatalities: 242 passengers and crew (on board), 19 on the ground (total 260)
- Sole survivor: Biswaskumar Ramesh (seat 11A)
Key Findings of the Preliminary Report
The Air Accidents Investigation Bureau of India (AAIB) has released the following information in its 15-page preliminary report:
-
Engine Fuel Cut
Just 3 seconds after takeoff, the fuel control switches of both engines moved to the "cut-off" position, completely cutting off the fuel supply. -
Cockpit Confusion
The cockpit voice recorder captures one pilot asking, "Why did you cut the fuel?", with the other replying, "I didn't do it." The report does not specify who said what. -
Engine Restart Attempt
The fuel switches were restored to normal, triggering automatic restart. One engine regained thrust, but the aircraft continued to lose altitude. -
Ram Air Turbine (RAT) Deployment
The emergency backup power system was activated, confirming both engines had failed. -
Landing Gear Not Retracted
The aircraft’s landing gear remained down, which likely contributed to the drag and descent.
Mysterious Facts
1. How Did the Fuel Switch Get Cut?
Boeing 787 fuel switches are designed with a locking mechanism to prevent accidental movement. Experts say unintentional cut-off is nearly impossible.
2. Why Would Pilots Turn Off the Switches?
Fuel switches are turned off only:
- After arriving at the gate
- In emergencies like engine fires
Even in emergencies, only one switch is turned off—and never both—especially at low altitude.
3. FAA's Previous Warning
In 2018, the FAA issued a Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin warning that similar fuel switch locks on Boeing 737s were sometimes in a disconnected state. Boeing 787s use the same switch design. Air India had not conducted the recommended checks, as the bulletin was advisory.
Response and Status of Investigation
Response from Family Members
- Ayushi Christian’s husband, Lawrence Christian, was among the victims: "Action must be taken against those responsible."
- Badasaab Syed, who lost his brother’s family, said the report has left him with even more questions.
- Faizan Rafiq, son of a deceased passenger: "We don’t care about fuel switches. We just lost our father."
Response from Air India and Boeing
Air India acknowledged receiving the report and said it is cooperating with authorities. Boeing stated it will continue supporting the investigation and directed inquiries to the AAIB.
Response from Pilots' Organizations
The Airline Pilots’ Association of India (ALPA) believes the report may be unfairly framing the crew. They called for a neutral and evidence-based investigation.
Historical Context: Air India’s Past Tragedy
This is not Air India’s deadliest disaster. On 23 June 1985, Air India Flight 182, a Boeing 747, was bombed off the coast of Ireland, killing all 329 on board. The attack was linked to Sikh separatist group Babbar Khalsa.
Next Steps
A final report is expected within 12 months. For now, the AAIB has not recommended changes for Boeing 787-8 operators or the GE GEnx-1B engines.
The crash of Air India Flight 171 is one of modern aviation’s greatest mysteries. The preliminary report raises more questions than it answers, particularly about how and why the engines were cut off. Families continue to demand justice, and the aviation world awaits the final investigation to ensure such a tragedy never happens again.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about the Air India Plane Crash Report
1. When and where did the Air India flight crash?
Answer: The plane crashed 40 seconds after takeoff from Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025.
2. How many people were killed?
Answer: 260 people died, including 242 on board and 19 on the ground. One passenger survived.
3. What did the initial report find?
Answer: The engines lost thrust after both fuel switches were suddenly cut off.
4. What did the pilots say?
Answer: One pilot asked, "Why did you turn off the fuel?" The other replied, "I didn’t."
5. How did the fuel switch get turned off?
Answer: Still unknown. Experts doubt it could have happened accidentally.
6. When is the final report expected?
Answer: Within 12 months.
7. Is this the worst accident in Air India’s history?
Answer: No, the 1985 bombing of Air India Flight 182 killed 329 people.
8. What model was the aircraft?
Answer: A Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, 11 years old.
9. What was the experience of the pilots?
Answer: Captain Sumit Saharwal had 15,638 hours; co-pilot Clive Kunder had 3,403 hours.
10. Any signs of a technical fault?
Answer: Not directly, but a 2018 FAA warning raised concerns about the fuel switch design used on this aircraft.