A preliminary investigation into the fatal crash of Air India Flight 171 has revealed that fuel supply to both engines was cut off moments before the aircraft plunged into a neighborhood in Ahmedabad, killing at least 260 people.
According to the Associated Press (AP), the report—released Saturday by India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB)—found that the aircraft’s fuel control switches, which regulate fuel flow to the engines, were inexplicably moved from the “run” position to “cutoff” just seconds before the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner slammed into the ground.
A preliminary investigation into the fatal crash of Air India Flight 171 has revealed that fuel supply to both engines was cut off moments before the aircraft plunged into a neighborhood in Ahmedabad, killing at least 260 people.
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According to the Associated Press (AP), the report—released Saturday by India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB)—found that the aircraft’s fuel control switches, which regulate fuel flow to the engines, were inexplicably moved from the “run” position to “cutoff” just seconds before the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner slammed into the ground.
The newly released report from the incident revealed a moment of confusion in the cockpit during the flight’s final seconds.
One pilot, captured on the cockpit voice recorder, asked, “Why did you cut off the fuel?” The other pilot responded, “I did not do so,” suggesting a possible miscommunication or unintended action that contributed to the disaster.
Investigators have not concluded whether the switch change was accidental, mechanical, or due to misjudgment. Both pilots’ handling of the emergency and their apparent uncertainty over the switch configuration are now under scrutiny.
Despite the grave revelations, the preliminary report does not recommend any immediate safety actions for Boeing.
The aircraft manufacturer stated it “stands ready to support the investigation led by India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau,” and extended condolences to victims’ families and the wider Ahmedabad community.
India’s Civil Aviation Minister, Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu, urged caution, stressing that the findings were early and “one should not jump into any conclusions on this.” He added that a comprehensive investigation is ongoing.
The aircraft was carrying 169 Indians, 53 British nationals, seven Portuguese citizens, and one Canadian, in addition to 12 crew members.
Further analysis of flight data and cockpit procedures is expected to shed more light on how a fuel cutoff could occur mid-air, and whether human error, system malfunction, or procedural lapse played a decisive role in the tragedy.
