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<p class="is-style-success wp-block-paragraph"><strong>By Namith DP | July 13, 2025</strong></p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Investigative Findings Reveal Engine Fuel Switches at Core, but Full Picture Remains Elusive</h3>



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Disaster That Shouldn’t Have Happened</h2>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">On Juneâ¯12,â¯2025, Air India Flightâ¯AI171 departed from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport bound for London Gatwick. Mere seconds after rotation, the Boeing 787â8 Dreamliner lost thrust on both engines and plummeted into a dormitory at the Byramjee Jeejeebhoy Medical College. The result: 260 fatalities, 18 on the ground and 242 onboard—including all crew except one flight attendant.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) released its <strong>preliminary report on Julyâ¯11</strong>, identifying an unprecedented in-flight fuel cutoff. This mechanical or procedural failure, it said, caused both engines to flame out. But that summary raised more questions than answers.</p>



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Key Timeline of the Crash</h2>


<div class="wp-block-image is-style-default">
<figure data-amp-lightbox="true" class="aligncenter is-resized"><img src="https://theword360.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/ZjguanBn.jpg" alt="Air India flight 171 explodes in a fireball as it crashes crashes outside Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in India" class="wp-image-23054" style="width:611px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Air India flight 171 explodes in a fireball as it crashes outside Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport</figcaption></figure>
</div>


<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><strong>June 12, 2025 – 13:38 IST (08:08 UTC):</strong> Flightâ¯AI171 departs from runwayâ¯23.</li>



<li><strong>Seconds later:</strong> Engine fuel control switches flip from &#8220;RUN&#8221; to &#8220;CUTOFF&#8221; within one second.</li>



<li><strong>CVR audio:</strong> A voice says, “Why did you cut off?” Another replies, “I did not do so.”</li>



<li><strong>Relight attempt:</strong> Switches flip back to “RUN,” but altitude and thrust are insufficient.</li>



<li><strong>~13:39 IST:</strong> Aircraft crashes into the dormitory ~2.3â¯km from the runway.</li>
</ul>



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Who Was in the Cockpit?</h2>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Understanding the crash requires context about the crew, whose qualifications and actions shaped the final moments.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Captain Sumeetâ¯Sabharwal – Pilot-in-Command (PIC)</h3>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><strong>Age:</strong> 56</li>



<li><strong>Total Flight Hours:</strong> ~15,600</li>



<li><strong>Boeing 787 Hours:</strong> ~8,600 (including 8,260 as PIC)</li>



<li><strong>Certifications:</strong> ATPL with ratings for Boeing 787, 777, and Airbus A310</li>



<li><strong>Background:</strong>
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Served as <strong>Line Training Captain (LTC)</strong>—supervised and mentored less-experienced co-pilots.</li>



<li>Arrived in Ahmedabad a day prior and passed all medical and fitness checks before the flight.</li>



<li>Executed the “Mayday” call after engines flamed out, suggesting situational awareness and protocol adherence.</li>



<li>Colleagues described him as disciplined, procedural, and respected within Air India’s long-haul fleet.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">First Officer Cliveâ¯Kunder – Pilot-Flying (PF)</h3>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><strong>Age:</strong> 32</li>



<li><strong>Total Flight Hours:</strong> ~3,400</li>



<li><strong>Boeing 787 Hours:</strong> ~1,100</li>



<li><strong>Certifications:</strong> CPL with Boeing 787, Airbus A320, and light aircraft ratings</li>



<li><strong>Background:</strong>
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Took off as the <strong>Pilot Flying</strong> under Captain Sabharwal’s oversight.</li>



<li>Known for strong procedural recall and emergency response training.</li>



<li>Came from an aviation family and had been with Air India since 2020.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow">
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Both pilots passed alcohol and drug screening, and their licenses were valid. They were medically cleared for duty and had rested per DGCA requirements.</p>
</blockquote>



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Major Findings in the Preliminary Report</h2>


<div class="wp-block-image is-style-default">
<figure class="aligncenter is-resized"><img src="https://theword360.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/MA.jpg" alt="Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad" class="wp-image-23056" style="width:611px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Rescue team members work as smoke rises at the site where an Air India plane crashed in Ahmedabad, India, June 12. REUTERS/Amit Dave </figcaption></figure>
</div>


<h3 class="wp-block-heading">1. Engine Fuel Cutoff at Rotation</h3>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Investigators confirmed both engine fuel control switches flipped to &#8220;CUTOFF&#8221; within one second.</li>



<li>This resulted in <strong>simultaneous fuel starvation</strong>, causing both GE GEnx engines to flame out.</li>



<li>Fuel samples from the aircraft and refueling systems were clean—no contamination noted.</li>
</ul>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">2. Relight Effort Proved Too Late</h3>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>CVR records suggest relight switches were reset to &#8220;RUN&#8221; shortly after engine shutdown.</li>



<li>Both engines began relight sequences but couldn’t develop thrust before the aircraft lost altitude.</li>
</ul>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">3. Mechanical Safeguards Existed—but May Have Failed</h3>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Fuel switches have <strong>mechanical locks</strong> and require a deliberate lift-then-flip action.</li>



<li>Boeing 787 cockpit design includes detents that should prevent accidental switch movement.</li>



<li>The AAIB cited a <strong>2018 FAA bulletin</strong> that noted potential disengagement of locking mechanisms in similar switches. No mandatory action was ever issued, and VTâANB was <strong>not modified</strong>.</li>
</ul>



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What Did the CVR Reveal?</h2>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The only excerpt released:</p>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow">
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“Why did you cut off?”<br>“I did not do so.”</p>
</blockquote>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">This exchange raises multiple issues:</p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><strong>Did either pilot mistakenly operate the switches?</strong></li>



<li><strong>Could a mechanical fault have caused both switches to flip?</strong></li>



<li><strong>Why has the full transcript not been disclosed?</strong></li>
</ul>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The limited release of CVR data sparked criticism from pilots’ unions and families of victims.</p>



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Stakeholder Reactions</h2>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Aviation Analysts</h3>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><strong>Terry Tozer (former commercial pilot):</strong> “Simultaneous cutoff is practically inconceivable unless done manually or via system failure.”</li>



<li><strong>Graham Braithwaite (Cranfield University):</strong> Noted “spring-loaded and guarded switches require intentional effort.”</li>
</ul>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Pilots’ Union (ALPA-India)</h3>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Strongly rejected early implications of crew error.</li>



<li>Called the preliminary framing “speculative” and “damaging to flight safety culture.”</li>
</ul>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Families of Victims</h3>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Victims&#8217; families, especially international passengers from the UK and Canada, expressed anger over the lack of transparent findings.</li>



<li>Public petitions now demand that the DGCA and AAIB release the full CVR transcript.</li>
</ul>



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Technical Concerns Raised</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Issue</th><th>Description</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Switch Design</strong></td><td>Locking mechanisms may not provide sufficient resistance.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Previous FAA Bulletin</strong></td><td>Air India had not implemented non-mandatory maintenance recommendations.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Flight Deck Ergonomics</strong></td><td>Proximity of critical switches to high-use surfaces under review.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Crew Checklists</strong></td><td>Investigators will assess if checklist sequences inadvertently prompted switch movement.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Maintenance and Fleet Impact</h2>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Post-crash audits revealed no prior malfunctions on aircraft VTâANB since its last C-check.</li>



<li>India’s DGCA issued inspections for all 787s in Air India’s fleet, focusing on engine controls, fuel valves, and actuators.</li>



<li>Boeing and GE are fully cooperating but have <strong>not issued service bulletins</strong> pending final report outcomes.</li>
</ul>



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">International Involvement</h2>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>The <strong>U.S. NTSB</strong>, <strong>FAA</strong>, and <strong>UK AAIB</strong> are assisting due to aircraft and component origin.</li>



<li>ICAO guidelines recommend final reports within 12 months. The AAIB has confirmed ongoing analysis but gave no interim date for further updates.</li>
</ul>



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Case Comparisons</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><thead><tr><th>Case</th><th>Aircraft</th><th>Similarity</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Ethiopian Airlines 302 (2019)</strong></td><td>Boeing 737 MAX</td><td>Insufficient detail in early reports also drew criticism. Resulted in swift grounding and software revisions.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>United Airlines 328 (2021)</strong></td><td>Boeing 777</td><td>Prompt FAA bulletins followed fan blade failure. Full transparency and public briefings offered.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Unlike these examples, AAIB’s 15-page document lacks full CVR/FDR detail or preliminary causal assertions.</p>



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What Happens Next?</h2>


<div class="wp-block-image is-style-default">
<figure data-amp-lightbox="true" class="aligncenter is-resized"><img src="https://theword360.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/NTEyLmpwZw.jpg" alt="Aftermath of the Air India crash during take-off, in Ahmedabad" class="wp-image-23055" style="width:611px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Aftermath of the Air India crash in Ahmedabad</figcaption></figure>
</div>


<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Final Report (Expected release time not disclosed)</h3>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>May include:
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Full CVR/FDR transcripts</li>



<li>Switch mechanical analysis</li>



<li>Ergonomics and crew behavior analysis</li>



<li>Root cause attribution</li>
</ul>
</li>



<li>May recommend:
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Boeing switch redesign</li>



<li>Mandatory mechanical safeguards</li>



<li>Revised Air India training/checklist protocols</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Policy Impact</h3>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>FAA may revisit 2018 bulletin classification.</li>



<li>India may mandate design retrofits across all Dreamliners.</li>



<li>ICAO may update switch design standards across airframes.</li>
</ul>



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Conclusion</h2>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The preliminary findings into the crash of Air India Flightâ¯AI171 provide a chilling first look into how a fully serviceable Dreamliner could lose all thrust seconds after takeoff. The reported cause—both engine fuel switches shifting to &#8220;CUTOFF&#8221;—is simple yet profound in its implications.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">With <strong>experienced, certified, and alert pilots in command</strong>, the mystery deepens. No flight history anomalies or human-factor red flags suggest crew incapability. On the contrary, both pilots acted swiftly in a doomed situation, following mayday protocol and relight procedure.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The global aviation community now awaits a comprehensive and conclusive report. For the families of 260 victims, nothing short of total transparency and systemic reform will be enough.</p>



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">For more information on the crash read &#8211; </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-the-word-360 wp-block-embed-the-word-360"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="wp-embedded-content" data-secret="CQdw2D1RwN"><a href="https://theword360.com/2025/06/12/241-passengers-killed-in-ahmedabad-air-india-plane-crash/">241 passengers killed in Ahmedabad Air India plane crash</a></blockquote><iframe class="wp-embedded-content" sandbox="allow-scripts" security="restricted" style="position: absolute; visibility: hidden;" title="&#8220;241 passengers killed in Ahmedabad Air India plane crash&#8221; &#8212; The Word 360" src="https://theword360.com/2025/06/12/241-passengers-killed-in-ahmedabad-air-india-plane-crash/embed/#?secret=aVMSWM1TvZ#?secret=CQdw2D1RwN" data-secret="CQdw2D1RwN" width="600" height="338" frameborder="0" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" scrolling="no"></iframe>
</div></figure>

Air India Flight AI171 Tragedy: Causes and Consequences
The plane crashed shortly after takeoff in a residential neighbourhood in the city of Ahmedabad. Source - AFP via Getty Images