Air India AI171 Crash: Report Reveals Both Engine Shut Down Seconds After Takeoff

On June 12, 2025, Air India’s Boeing 787-8, registered as VT-ANB, crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. The flight, destined for London Gatwick, was carrying 230 passengers and 12 crew members.

The AI171 crash occurred at 13:39 IST, just minutes after liftoff, resulting in a devastating loss of life and significant damage on the ground.

Key Facts About the Air India Crash

• Flight: AI171, Ahmedabad to London Gatwick
• Aircraft: Boeing 787-8 (VT-ANB)
• Date & Time: 12 June 2025, 13:39 IST
• Fatalities: 241 (12 crew, 229 passengers), 19 others on the ground
• Survivors: 1 passenger, 67 ground injuries
• Location: Near BJ Medical College hostel, Ahmedabad
• Phase of Flight: Initial climb after takeoff

Aircraft and Crew Details

• Aircraft Age: Manufactured in 2013, with over 41,000 flight hours.
• Engines: Both engines were installed in early 2025, with routine maintenance up to date.
• Crew: The captain was highly experienced, with over 8,500 hours on the Boeing 787. The co-pilot held a CPL and had over 1,100 hours on type.

Crew Reactions & Technical Timeline

• Touchdown clearance: 08:07:33 UTC
• V1: 08:08:33
• Vr: 08:08:35
• Rotation: 08:08:39
• Both engines cut off at 08:08:42
• Ram Air Turbine activation: 08:08:47
• Mayday call: 08:09:05
• Crash follows seconds later

Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) and Flight Data Recorder (FDR) data are now being analysed in collaboration with the U.S. NTSB, Boeing, GE Aerospace and UK experts.

What Happened: Sequence of Events

The aircraft departed on schedule, with all preflight checks reported as normal. Shortly after takeoff, the flight crew declared a “Mayday” emergency. Within moments, the aircraft lost altitude and crashed into buildings near the airport perimeter, causing a fire and widespread destruction. The crash site spanned multiple structures, with debris scattered across a 1000 ft by 400 ft area.

Fuel-Cutoff Switches: The Central Mystery

The AAIB report confirms that both engine fuel switches shifted from RUN to CUTOFF within seconds after rotation, resulting in power being cut to both engines.

Cockpit audio captures the moment, one pilot asks, “Why did you cut off?” The other replies, “I did not” That exchange signals confusion, not coordination.

The aircraft instantly lost thrust, deployed the emergency Ram Air Turbine, and struggled to relight the engines. It partially restarted one engine, but the plane had already lost momentum as it descended toward the BJ Medical College hostel complex.

According to flight data

• At 08:08:39 UTC, the aircraft lifted off at a speed of around 180 knots.
• Three seconds later, both engine fuel control switches were moved from “RUN” to “CUTOFF,” cutting fuel supply to the engines.
• This immediately triggered dual engine failure.
• The Ram Air Turbine (RAT), a backup system that provides limited electrical and hydraulic power in emergencies, deployed automatically.
• The thrust levers were at idle, and attempts to relight the engines began around 8:08:52, but recovery was incomplete.

Despite efforts to restart the engines, the aircraft lost altitude rapidly and crashed into a building within 32 seconds of takeoff, killing all but one passenger onboard and 19 people on the ground.

Cockpit Voice Recorder Reveals Confusion

The cockpit audio, released as part of the report, captured one pilot asking, “Why did you cut off?” — to which the other responded, “I didn’t.” This exchange indicates that neither pilot believed they had intentionally shut off the fuel.

The switches in question use a protective mechanism and require a deliberate lift-and-move action, which makes accidental engagement unlikely.

Known Fuel Switch Issue Uninspected

The AAIB report points to a known issue with fuel control switches documented in a 2018 FAA advisory, which warned of potential uncommanded switch movement under rare conditions. However, Air India had not inspected these switches, as the directive was non-mandatory.

Investigators have not yet determined whether the switches failed mechanically or were mistakenly moved.

Other Findings

• No fuel contamination was found; fuel quality met all standards.
• Aircraft weight and balance were normal.
• No pre-existing defects were recorded on the engines or control systems.

What’s Next?

The investigation continues, with support from:

• Boeing (aircraft manufacturer)
• General Electric (engine maker)
• FAA (U.S. aviation authority)
• NTSB (U.S. transport safety board)
• UK’s Air Accidents Investigation Branch

Authorities will now focus on:

• Examining if the fuel switches malfunctioned
• Reviewing cockpit procedures and crew training
• Evaluating possible design flaws in the Boeing 787 fuel control system

The final report with detailed findings and safety recommendations is expected within the next few months.

One of India’s Worst Aviation Disasters

This crash is one of the deadliest in India’s aviation history. A single survivor, rescued from the wreckage, remains hospitalised. The aviation community continues to mourn the devastating loss of life and awaits answers that may help prevent future tragedies.

Final Take

The AAIB’s initial findings shine a spotlight on one of aviation’s most perplexing emergencies: sudden, unexplained engine shutdown at a critical phase. Travellers should keep an eye on upcoming safety bulletins and internal updates. For now, stay tuned while experts dig deeper; this story is far from over.