In a tragic turn of events, the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has released its preliminary findings into the crash of Air India flight AI 171, revealing that both engines were shut down just seconds after takeoff from Ahmedabad airport on June 12. The accident claimed the lives of all 260 people on board and on the ground after the aircraft plunged into a medical hostel complex near the airport.

Fuel Control Switches Moved to Cutoff

According to the AAIB report published on Saturday, data from the Enhanced Airborne Flight Recorder (EAFR) and Cockpit Voice Recorder shows that both engine fuel control switches were moved from RUN to CUTOFF within a one-second interval at 08:08:42 UTC—just moments after takeoff.

One pilot is heard asking, “Why did you cut off?” to which the other responds, “I did not.” This exchange indicates confusion in the cockpit during the critical moments of the flight.

Engine Restart Attempted – Too Late

At 08:08:52 UTC, the pilots attempted to restart Engine 1, followed by Engine 2 at 08:08:56 UTC. While Engine 1 began to recover, Engine 2 failed to stabilize despite multiple auto-restart attempts by the aircraft’s Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC) system.

By the time the engines were attempting to relight, the aircraft had already started to descend rapidly, and thrust recovery was insufficient.

Ram Air Turbine Deployment Caught on CCTV

Flight data reveals that the aircraft reached a peak airspeed of 180 knots just after liftoff. However, it began losing altitude even before crossing the airport’s perimeter wall. CCTV footage confirmed the deployment of the Ram Air Turbine (RAT) — a backup emergency power source — indicating the severity of the in-flight emergency.

At 08:09:05 UTC, the flight crew issued a “MAYDAY” distress call. However, no response was received when Air Traffic Control attempted to confirm the aircraft’s identity. At 08:09:11 UTC, flight data recording ceased — moments before the plane crashed.

Emergency Services Responded Swiftly

At 08:14:44 UTC, airport fire and rescue units were dispatched and were quickly joined by local emergency responders. Despite the rapid deployment, no survivors were found, marking one of the deadliest aviation disasters in India in recent memory.

FAA Advisory on Fuel Switch Lock Was Ignored

The AAIB also highlighted a 2018 Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin (SAIB) issued by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) warning about potential disengagement of fuel control switch locking mechanisms on 737 aircraft. The same type of switch design (Part No. 4TL837-3D) is also used in Boeing 787-8 jets, including the ill-fated VT-ANB aircraft.

However, the FAA bulletin was advisory, not mandatory, and Air India did not perform the recommended inspections, as per internal records.

No Prior Defects Reported in Switches

Air India’s maintenance records show that the aircraft’s throttle control module was replaced in 2019 and again in 2023, though no issues were ever reported with the fuel control switches themselves. The airline maintains that there were no previous defects linked to the engine fuel system in recent inspections.

Final Report Awaited

While these early findings provide a glimpse into the possible causes, the final AAIB report is still pending. Authorities continue to analyze further data to determine the technical, human, and procedural failures that contributed to this tragic incident.