Air India 171 Crash Investigation Reveals Fuel Cutoff as Cause

The Air India 171 crash investigation reveals fuel cutoff as cause, according to a preliminary report released by India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB). The tragic accident occurred on June 12, 2025, in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, killing 260 people, including almost all passengers and crew onboard, as well as several civilians on the ground.
According to the findings, fuel cutoff switches on both engines of the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner transitioned from “RUN“ to “CUTOFF“ mode within a single second, and total engine power loss was experienced shortly after departure. The technical failure was accompanied by crew bewilderment, as evidenced in the cockpit voice recordings, which raises serious concerns regarding flight control procedures and mechanical reliability.
Key Findings from the AAIB Report

1. Simultaneous Fuel Supply Cutoff Triggered Engine Shutdown
The report highlights that both fuel cutoff switches for fuel supply to Engine 1 and Engine 2 transitioned from RUN to CUTOFF at nearly the same moment—a catastrophic and abnormal occurrence during the takeoff critical stage.
The data retrieved from the Enhanced Airborne Flight Recorder (EAFR) showed that this transition occurred seconds after the airplane reached its maximum recorded airspeed of 180 knots.
2. Cockpit Voice Recording Reveals Confusion Between Pilots
The cockpit voice recorder captured a critical exchange between the pilots:
“Why did you cut off the fuel?”
“I didn’t do it.”
This exchange confirms that neither pilot intentionally shut off the engines, suggesting either a technical malfunction or unintentional input.
3. Aircraft Crashed 30 Seconds After Takeoff
- Takeoff time: 13:38:39 IST (08:08:39 UTC)
- MAYDAY issued: 13:39:05 IST
- Crash: Occurred approximately 30 seconds after takeoff
- Location: Residential complex near BJ Medical College, Meghaninagar, Ahmedabad
Despite the MAYDAY call, Air Traffic Control (ATC) received no further response before observing the aircraft crash outside airport boundaries.
4. Fuel Samples Tested and Found Satisfactory
Fuel samples collected from:
- Airport fuel bowsers
- Tanks used for refueling
- Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) filter
…were tested at the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) laboratory and were confirmed to be within safety and quality limits.
However, only limited fuel traces could be recovered from the aircraft due to the fire, and additional tests are pending at specialized labs with the capability to analyze micro samples.
5. No Evidence of Sabotage or Bird Strike
The report explicitly states there is no current evidence suggesting sabotage or a bird strike. Investigators found no significant bird activity along the aircraft’s flight path, and all internal systems are still under review.
“The accident is being investigated from all angles. CCTV footage is under review and multiple agencies are involved,” said Civil Aviation Minister of State Murlidhar Mohol in a statement to NDTV.
Impact and Casualties
- Total passengers and crew onboard: 242
- Survivors: 1
- Fatalities: At least 260 (including people on the ground)
- Ground impact: The aircraft struck the staff quarters of BJ Medical College, killing 9 students and relatives in addition to those onboard.
The crash led to a massive fire in the hostel complex, complicating rescue efforts. Emergency response teams were activated immediately following the crash alert from ATC.
Wreckage Recovery and Ongoing Investigation
- Both engines were recovered and secured in a quarantine hangar at the airport.
- Investigators used drone mapping and videography at the crash site.
- All major wreckage components have been identified for further technical analysis.
At this stage, no mandatory actions or safety advisories have been issued to other Boeing 787 8 operators or GE GEnx-1B engine users, pending more detailed investigation outcomes.
Technical Summary
Parameter | Detail |
---|---|
Flight Number | Air India AI 171 |
Aircraft Type | Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner |
Origin | Ahmedabad, India |
Destination | London, United Kingdom |
Date of Incident | June 12, 2025 |
Time of Takeoff | 13:38 IST |
Time of Crash | Within 30 seconds after takeoff |
Engines Involved | 2 × GE GEnx-1B |
Cause | Fuel cutoff switches deactivated engines |
Status of Investigation | Preliminary report released, probe ongoing |
Fuel Quality | Found satisfactory by the DGCA lab |
Survivors | 1 |
Total Fatalities | 260+ |
What Happens Next?
Investigators will continue to analyze:
- Switch mechanisms and automation systems
- Pilot behavior and response during critical moments
- Potential system failures or uncommanded inputs
The final report may take several more months to complete. Meanwhile, aviation safety experts are monitoring any parallels with other aircraft incidents globally.
For continuous updates, refer to the AAIB official website and NDTV Aviation News.