Aircraft Accident: An Analysis
On June 12, 2025, Air India Flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 with registration VT-ANB, suffered a tragic accident just minutes after takeoff from Ahmedabad. The aircraft, carrying 54,200 Kgs of fuel and a take-off weight of 213,401 Kgs, was equipped with two Enhanced Airborne Flight Recorders (EAFRs) that documented the events leading up to the crash.
The preliminary report by India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) reveals that the simultaneous shutdown of both engines during the climb was caused by the fuel control switches for both engines moving from the "RUN" to the "CUTOFF" position just seconds after takeoff. This unexpected action cut off the fuel supply to the engines within one second of each other, causing both engines to lose thrust abruptly.
The cockpit voice recorder captured one pilot asking why the fuel cutoff switch was activated, with the other pilot denying responsibility, indicating the cause of the fuel cutoff was unclear and possibly unintentional or mechanical rather than deliberate human action. About 10 seconds after the shutdown, the pilots re-engaged the fuel switches to the "RUN" position in an attempt to restart the engines, but it was too late. The aircraft's engine control systems (FADEC) automatically initiated engine relight sequences, but there was insufficient altitude and time to regain power before the crash.
No evidence of bird strikes or external interference was found. The exact reason why the fuel cutoff switches moved remains unclear, and the investigation is considering a possible mechanical or design issue related to the fuel control switches, especially given a prior FAA SAIB (Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin) issued in 2018 highlighting similar concerns.
The loss of thrust led to the deployment of the Ram Air Turbine (RAT) due to a complete electrical and hydraulic failure. Fuel samples taken from the bowsers and tanks used to refuel the aircraft were tested at the DGCA's Lab and found satisfactory.
The aircraft crashed into a residential hostel complex outside the airport boundary almost immediately after the distress call, "MAYDAY MAYDAY MAYDAY," was made at 08:09:05 UTC.
The investigation is ongoing, with detailed analysis of flight data, crew medical histories, maintenance logs, and component failures underway. No safety recommendations have been issued yet, and no definitive cause has been confirmed. The incident serves as a grim reminder of the complexities involved in air travel and the continuous efforts required to ensure safety standards are maintained.
- This tragic airline news event has reignited discussions within the industry about the importance of finance for transportation safety, as the investigation into the Air India Flight AI171 accident continues to uncover potential mechanical or design issues.
- The crime-and-justice sector could potentially be involved in investigating the exact cause of the fuel cutoff switches malfunction on Air India Flight AI171, given the preliminary findings suggest a possible unintentional or mechanical failure.
- The general-news media, apart from reporting on the accident, are also highlighting the significance of the ongoing investigations and the continuous efforts needed in the transportation industry to maintain safety standards and prevent similar accidents in the future.
