AI 171 Crash: Pilots Had Required Rest, Medical Clearance, and Flight Experience, Finds Probe

Air India Crash: Pilots Were Fit and Experienced, Fuel Cutoff Led to Fatal Mid-Air Failure — AAIB Report

The preliminary report by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) into the tragic crash of Air India Flight 171 has revealed that both pilots were medically fit, well-rested, and experienced on the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. Despite this, the flight ended in catastrophe due to a sudden and unexplained cutoff of fuel supply to both engines shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad airport.

According to the AAIB, the Dreamliner’s fuel cutoff switches for both engines transitioned from “RUN” to “CUTOFF” within a one-second interval, effectively shutting down power mid-air. “The Engine Gas Temperature (EGT) was observed to rise for both engines, indicating relight attempts. While Engine 1 briefly began recovery, Engine 2 failed to regain core speed despite repeated fuel reintroductions,” the report stated.

Cockpit voice recordings documented a brief but alarming exchange between the pilots. One is heard asking, “Why did you cut off fuel?” to which the other replied, “I did not do so.” The report notes that accidental activation is unlikely, as the switches are protected by safety rails, raising possibilities of pilot error or deliberate tampering.

Power loss triggered deployment of the Ram Air Turbine (RAT), indicating total electrical failure onboard. A desperate “Mayday” call was issued by one of the pilots but was not followed by any further communication. Air traffic control confirmed visual contact with the crash just beyond the airport perimeter.

The report emphasized that these findings are preliminary and based on currently available evidence. The investigation remains ongoing, with further analysis expected to clarify the sequence and cause of system failures.