An Air India plane travelling from Ahmedabad to London has been involved in a serious incident. Investigators are currently examining the wreckage of the Boeing Dreamliner. They have found shocking evidence that could explain how the fire started in the plane’s tail section.
According to officials, signs of an electrical fire were detected in the plane’s empennage, which is the tail assembly. The fire was limited to this part of the aircraft, causing the tail to separate and leading to further damage. This has raised concerns as it may be a primary cause of the incident.
On July 12, 2025, after the flight took off, both engines lost fuel supply due to a switch malfunction, causing them to shut down shortly after takeoff. Investigators believe that an electrical system failure sent incorrect data to the engine control unit, leading to this dangerous situation. The auxiliary power unit located in the tail is intact, but the rear black box is damaged, complicating data recovery. However, data from the forward black box is proving helpful for the ongoing investigation.
Further findings indicate that on a previous flight AI-423 from Delhi to Ahmedabad, the pilot had complained about issues with the stabilizer. This sensor controls the plane’s pitch and sends data to the control system. Although the maintenance engineer in Ahmedabad cleared the flight for takeoff after inspection, officials are now linking this sensor issue to the electrical system failure.
The auxiliary power unit, transducers, and radar found in the rear are being secured for analysis. One official involved in the investigation mentioned that due to the electrical system failure during the flight, there should also be errors in the sensor data, which may have caused the engine to receive incorrect commands.
The Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP) has filed a legal notice against the Wall Street Journal and Reuters over reports suggesting pilot error or confusion in the cockpit as a possible cause of the Air India crash. The FIP claims that these reports lack solid evidence and are misleading. They are demanding a formal apology and have described the reporting as irresponsible, especially while the investigation is ongoing.
In their statement, the FIP stressed that despite the significant attention the incident has received, it is not the time to spread fear about the safety of the Indian aviation industry. They appeal to the media to refrain from speculation until the official investigation is complete.
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) preliminary report indicates that the fuel control switch for the aircraft’s engines switched from ‘run’ to ‘cut off’ before the crash, resulting in a loss of fuel supply. The report also mentions discussions between both pilots regarding this switch.
The FIP has opposed the determination of pilot error based on this report, as the investigation remains incomplete. In Gujarat, particularly in Ahmedabad and Surat, Air India serves as a major aviation hub, and news of this incident has raised concerns among the local community. Citizens who frequently use Air India’s services are closely monitoring the progress of the investigation into aviation safety.
This legal action by FIP is significant for the pilot community in Gujarat, as it addresses their reputation and morale. Local news portals, such as Gujarat First, are expected to provide more details on the matter, considering the interest of readers in this issue. The FIP’s response to the WSJ and Reuters highlights the ongoing discussions surrounding the Air India flight incident as they seek to protect the dignity and morale of pilots. With the AAIB’s final report expected soon, along with responses from media organisations, this situation is likely to evolve further.