Air India Flight 171 Crash: What Really Happened and Why It’s Gripping India

A Catastrophic Takeoff: The Tragedy That Shook Indian Aviation

On June 12, 2025, Air India Flight AI-171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, crashed just seconds after takeoff from Ahmedabad Airport en route to London Gatwick. The crash claimed 260 lives, including passengers, crew, and civilians on the ground, making it India’s deadliest aviation disaster in decades. As investigations unfold, the incident has sparked intense scrutiny, public debate, and a wave of misinformation online.

The Timeline of the Crash: Second-by-Second Breakdown

• 13:37 IST: Aircraft cleared for takeoff from Runway 23

• 13:38:39 IST: Liftoff confirmed; aircraft begins ascent

• 13:38:42 IST: Both engine fuel switches transition from “RUN” to “CUTOFF” within one second

• 13:38:47 IST: Engines lose thrust; Ram Air Turbine (RAT) deploys

• 13:38:52–56 IST: Pilots reset fuel switches to “RUN”; Engine 1 begins recovery, Engine 2 fails

• 13:39:05 IST: “MAYDAY” call transmitted

• 13:39:11 IST: Aircraft crashes into B.J. Medical College hostel block

What Caused the Crash? Fuel Switches Under Scrutiny

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) released a preliminary report revealing that both engines lost thrust due to fuel cutoff switches being disengaged. The cockpit voice recorder captured a chilling exchange:

“Why did you cut off?” “I didn’t.”

This has led to two major theories:

• Pilot Error: Some speculate one of the pilots may have accidentally or deliberately disengaged the switches.

• System Failure: Experts suggest a software or electrical fault may have triggered an uncommanded switch transition.

Technical Snags Before Takeoff: A Warning Ignored?

Hours before the crash, a pilot flagged a “Stabiliser Position Transducer Defect” in the aircraft’s log. Though resolved per Boeing protocols, this sensor malfunction could have sent incorrect signals to the flight control system, potentially triggering the fuel cutoff.

The same aircraft had a history of technical issues:

• December 2024: Flight aborted due to electrical fault

• 2015: Emergency landing due to Cabin Air Compressor surge

Why This Is Trending Right Now

Real-Time Momentum

• Google Trends shows a surge in searches for “Air India crash,” “AI 171 fuel switch,” and “Ahmedabad plane disaster”

• News channels are publishing hourly updates

• Social media is flooded with speculation, misinformation, and communal narratives, prompting fact-checking efforts

Public Outcry and Pilot Associations

The Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP) has protested the exclusion of pilot representation in the investigation, calling the report premature and speculative. International aviation experts have also criticized the lack of transparency and urged caution against assigning blame.

Investigators’ Focus: System vs. Human Error

Investigators are now examining:

• FADEC (Full Authority Digital Engine Control): Could a software bug have misread flight conditions?

• Throttle Control Module (TCM): Was the locking mechanism faulty?

• Electrical Signals: Flight Data Recorder only captures signals, not physical switch positions

Expert Opinions

• Mary Schiavo, US aviation attorney: “No evidence of pilot suicide or deliberate action.”

• Ben Berman, crash investigator: “Simultaneous switch transition suggests deliberate act—but not conclusive.”

FAQs

Was the crash caused by pilot error?

Not confirmed. The AAIB report does not assign blame. Investigations are ongoing.

Could the fuel switches have moved on their own?

Yes. Experts cite past incidents where Boeing 787 switches transitioned without pilot input due to system faults.

How many people died in the crash? 2

60 fatalities, including 241 onboard and 19 on the ground. One passenger survived.

What is the status of the investigation?

Preliminary findings released. Final report pending further analysis of flight recorders and system behavior.

Is the Boeing 787 safe to fly?

No immediate action has been recommended against Boeing or GE engines. Inspections are ongoing.

Conclusion: A Tragedy Demanding Transparency

The Air India Flight 171 crash is more than a technical failure—it’s a wake-up call for aviation safety, investigative integrity, and responsible public discourse. As India mourns its deadliest aviation disaster in decades, the demand for answers grows louder. Whether it was a software glitch, a mechanical fault, or human error, only a transparent and thorough investigation can bring closure.

This story is far from over—and the truth must rise from the wreckage.