Air India AirCrash Cause
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The first fatal hull‑loss of a Boeing 787 (Dreamliner) occurred on Air India Flight AI‑171 on June 12, 2025, shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad. Here’s what the preliminary investigation has revealed:
Crash Overview (Flight AI‑171)
• Aircraft: Boeing 787‑8 Dreamliner (registration VT‑ANB), 11 years old .
• Shortly after liftoff at ~200 m altitude, both engines lost thrust, the aircraft rapidly descended, and tragically crashed into a building, killing 260 people .
Probable Cause: Fuel Control Switches
• The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau of India (AAIB) reported that the fuel control switches on both engines were switched from RUN to CUTOFF just seconds after takeoff, causing an immediate loss of engine thrust .
• Cockpit voice recorder captures one pilot questioning the other: “Why did you cut off the fuel?” and the reply: “I didn’t do it.” .
Key Unknowns & Theories
1. Technical failure vs. Human intervention
• The fuel switches are designed with safeguards to avoid accidental activation. A pilot error seems unlikely without intent .
• No mechanical defects or faults have been found in the Boeing 787 airframe or GE GEnx‑1B engines .
2. Pilot debate
• AAIB is investigating whether the switch movement was intentional or inadvertent .
3. Calls for comprehensive review
• Families and experts urge a deeper analysis, including safety protocols, cockpit procedures, and adherence to older FAA bulletins about fuel switch safeguards .
What Happens Next?
• Ongoing investigations by AAIB, with assistance from U.S. (NTSB) and U.K. authorities.
• Crew behavior, cockpit design, and protective mechanisms around the fuel switches are under thorough analysis.
The final report is expected within the next year.
Summary
Issue Status
Engine failure Confirmed—both engines lost thrust due to fuel switch position
Cause of switch activation Still under investigation—human error vs. system design fault
Mechanical faults None found in aircraft or engines
Investigation next steps Focus on cockpit actions, switch design, procedural safeguards
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