A tragic accident involving an Air India Boeing 787-8 occurred shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) released a preliminary report detailing the events leading to the crash. This report indicates that a sudden fuel supply cutoff led to the disaster, resulting in the loss of 241 lives out of 242 on board.
The flight, designated AI 171, took off and crashed within just 34 seconds. The report states that both engine fuel control switches moved from the ‘RUN’ to ‘CUTOFF’ position only three seconds after take-off. This unexpected transition caused both engines to shut down, leading to a catastrophic loss of thrust.
Cockpit voice recordings revealed confusion among the pilots. One pilot asked, “Why did you cut off?” The other responded, “I did not do so.” This exchange suggests there may have been a miscommunication or accidental activation of the switches. Co-pilot Clive Kundar was at the controls, while Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, who has over 8,600 flight hours, was monitoring the flight. Both pilots had sufficient rest before the flight.
Following the cutoff, the fuel switches were quickly returned to ‘RUN’, and attempts were made to restart the engines. However, these attempts were too late to regain control. The flight lasted only half a minute, resulting in a total death toll of close to 270, including several people on the ground.
The AAIB report notes that the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) had previously issued a bulletin in 2018 regarding potential disengagement of the fuel switch locking mechanism. However, Air India did not perform the recommended inspection as it was deemed advisory, not mandatory. The aircraft and engines were compliant with all applicable airworthiness directives and service bulletins. At the time of the incident, weather conditions were clear and the aircraft was within operational weight limits.
While the AAIB has not issued immediate recommendations for operators of Boeing 787-8 aircraft or GE GEnx-1B engines, the investigation is ongoing. Further evidence and insights from stakeholders are being examined.
In a statement on social media, Air India expressed its condolences and commitment to supporting those affected by the tragedy. The statement reads: “We mourn the loss and are fully committed to providing support during this difficult time. Air India is working closely with stakeholders, including regulators.”
This incident has raised concerns about cockpit protocols and compliance with safety bulletins. Aviation authorities are continuing to investigate the final moments of the flight, aiming to understand the cause of the fuel cutoff.
Experts highlight the importance of addressing whether the fuel cutoff was intentional or accidental. As investigations progress, both the airline and regulatory bodies are cooperating fully to uncover the truth behind this tragic event. The community continues to grieve the loss of lives while seeking answers to prevent future incidents.