Air India Crash Report Reveals Engine Fuel Switch Confusion

What the Preliminary Report Found

On June 12, 2025, Air India Flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, crashed shortly after taking off from Ahmedabad, killing 260 people and leaving one survivor. According to the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau’s (AAIB) preliminary report, cockpit recordings reveal confusion over the activation of both engine fuel cutoff switches just seconds after liftoff—an action that abruptly starved the engines of fuel and led to the fatal descent. This finding raises serious questions about cockpit procedures and switch design following this tragic accident.

Key Findings from the AAIB Report

The AAIB’s early investigation uncovers several critical details:

• Dual Switch Activation: Both engine fuel cutoff switches moved from “run” to “cutoff” three seconds after takeoff, stopping fuel flow to both engines.
• Pilot Confusion: Cockpit voice recorder transcripts capture one pilot asking the other, “why did he cut off?” and the other replying, “I did not do so,” indicating neither crew member anticipated the switch movement.
• Engine Restart Attempts: Despite the shutdown, evidence shows the engines attempted to relight before impact, but altitude loss was too rapid.
• No External Factors: There’s no indication of bird strikes, weather hazards, or external interference from the preliminary data.
• Pending Analysis: Final causes—whether mechanical defect, inadvertent switch movement, or cockpit ergonomics—remain under review.

As Air India Shared on X

“We acknowledge receipt of the preliminary report released by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) today, 12 July 2025. We extend our deepest condolences to the families and are fully cooperating with all authorities.”

Implications for Aviation Safety

This early report underscores the need for:

1. Ergonomic Switch Design: Preventing accidental activation through guard mechanisms or redesign.
2. Enhanced Crew Training: Reinforcing procedures for rapid identification and response to fuel system anomalies.
3. Regulatory Review: Assessing whether manufacturers and airlines should revise cockpit layouts and emergency checklists.

What Comes Next in the Investigation

The AAIB will complete a full analysis of the flight data recorder, maintenance logs, and switch mechanisms before issuing a final report—likely within the next 6–9 months. U.S. authorities, Boeing, and GE Aerospace are also contributing expertise to determine if technical faults or human factors were primary drivers of the accident.

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