Air India Flight AI 171 Crash: Engines Shut Down Shortly After Takeoff, Preliminary Report Reveals

The fuel control switches of Air India's Boeing 787-8 aircraft moved to the CUTOFF position three seconds after takeoff, leading to a loss of engine thrust and the crash in Ahmedabad on June 12. The incident resulted in the death of at least 260 people, including 19 on the ground, as per the preliminary report by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau.

The report highlighted that the movement of the switches occurred at 1.38.42 p.m., with the cockpit voice recording revealing a conversation between the pilots regarding the fuel cutoff. Thirty seconds later, a distress signal was transmitted, but the aircraft crashed outside the airport boundary at 1.39 p.m.

The investigation did not provide the transcript of the cockpit voice recording, leaving questions about the sequence of events unanswered. The report also mentioned the deployment of the Ram Air Turbine during the emergency.

According to the report, the fuel control switch locking feature had been a subject of an advisory from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration in 2018. However, Air India did not conduct the suggested inspections as the bulletin was advisory and not mandatory.

The report identified the pilot in command and the first officer, along with details of the aircraft's maintenance history. It also stated that there were no actions recommended for the aircraft or the engine type involved in the crash.

The investigation is ongoing, with additional evidence and information being reviewed by the team. Air India and Boeing have expressed cooperation with the authorities in the investigation process.

According to the source: The Hindu.