The devastating crash of Air India flight AI171 on June 12, 2025, has left the aviation community and grieving families searching for answers. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, en route from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, plummeted shortly after takeoff, killing 260 people, including 19 on the ground. Only one passenger survived the tragedy. A preliminary report released by India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) on July 14 has shed some light on the incident, but it has also raised significant questions about its causes.
Preliminary Findings: A Complex Puzzle
According to the AAIB’s report, the crash occurred due to a sudden loss of engine thrust caused by the simultaneous flipping of the fuel cutoff switches. This action, which starved both engines of fuel, led to the plane’s rapid descent and crash near Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. The cockpit voice recorder captured a moment of confusion between the pilots, with one asking why the fuel had been cut and the other denying responsibility. Experts have noted that such switches are designed to be difficult to activate accidentally, further complicating the investigation.
Air India CEO Campbell Wilson, in an internal memo cited by Reuters, emphasized that the investigation remains far from over. He urged caution against premature conclusions, stating, “The preliminary report identified no cause nor made any recommendations.” He also pointed out that the aircraft and its engines, manufactured by Boeing and GE respectively, showed no signs of mechanical or maintenance faults. This was corroborated by thorough inspections of Air India’s entire 787 fleet, which were deemed fit for service.
Scrutiny on Air India and Regulatory Gaps
In the wake of the crash, Air India has faced increased scrutiny. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) launched a separate investigation into Air India Express, the airline’s budget arm, on July 4, 2025. This followed allegations of falsified records and failure to replace mandated engine parts in another fleet.
Meanwhile, the preliminary report revealed that the fuel cutoff switches had not been inspected according to a 2018 advisory issued by the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The advisory recommended, but did not mandate, checks on the locking features of fuel switches in Boeing aircraft, including the 787. However, maintenance records showed that the throttle control module, containing the fuel switches, had been replaced in 2019 and 2023 on the ill-fated plane.
As reported by News.az, pilot associations like ALPA India have called for a “fair, fact-based inquiry” and demanded to be included as observers in the investigation. They have rejected any premature assumption of pilot error, citing the rigorous training and protocols in place for such critical flight operations.
Global Implications and Reactions
The crash has reverberated beyond India, with the UK government pledging to review the AAIB’s findings. Among the victims were 53 British nationals, making this one of the deadliest aviation disasters involving UK citizens in recent years. A Department for Transport spokesperson told the Independent, “This was a tragic accident, and our thoughts remain with the victims and their families.”
Meanwhile, South Korea’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport has announced plans to order inspections of fuel switches in Boeing aircraft operated by its airlines. This move aligns with heightened global concerns about the safety of Boeing 787 aircraft, even though the AAIB’s report found no immediate fault with the manufacturer or its engines.
Interestingly, Boeing’s stock saw a slight increase in premarket trading following the release of the report. As noted by Investing.com, the absence of any directives against Boeing or GE may have reassured investors, even as families of the victims continue to demand accountability.
Families and Experts Demand Clarity
The preliminary findings have left many unanswered questions for the victims’ families and aviation experts alike. Demetrius Danas, an aviation lawyer representing some of the families, described the findings as “deeply concerning.” He told the Independent, “Understandably, all they want is to be provided with answers.”
Aviation safety expert Professor Graham Braithwaite from Cranfield University explained that the design of the fuel switches makes accidental activation highly unlikely. “They are intentionally spaced apart and require deliberate action to flip,” he said. This has led some experts to question whether a technical malfunction or external factor could have played a role.
As the investigation continues, all eyes remain on the AAIB and other involved authorities to uncover the root cause of this catastrophic event. For now, the aviation community is left grappling with the complexities of this case, while grieving families continue their quest for justice.
The Air India crash has highlighted the critical need for thorough investigations and global aviation safety reforms. With so much at stake, the world awaits definitive answers that could prevent such tragedies in the future.