A preliminary investigation into the crash of an Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner has found that both engines lost power due to a fuel cutoff shortly after takeoff on June 12, 2025. The incident, which occurred near Ahmedabad, resulted in the deaths of 260 people, including casualties on the ground.
The aircraft was operating flight AI171 from Ahmedabad, India to London Gatwick when it crashed minutes after departure from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Gujarat. Of the 242 people on board, only one survived. Several others died when the jet struck a hospital hostel near the airport perimeter.
India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) released its initial findings, citing data from the plane’s flight and cockpit recorders. The report indicates that both engines’ fuel control switches were moved from the RUN to CUTOFF position in close succession. The cause—whether mechanical, human error, or otherwise—has not been definitively established.
The flight data recorder yielded 49 hours of operational history, while the cockpit voice recorder captured two hours of audio. The recording includes one pilot questioning the other about the fuel cutoff, to which the second pilot reportedly responded with denial of any such action.
The report notes that both engines began restart procedures moments before the aircraft impacted the ground. The switches, located between the pilots and protected by a locking mechanism, are designed to prevent inadvertent activation.
Surveillance footage from the airport showed deployment of the aircraft’s Ram Air Turbine, a backup power source, indicating a loss of electrical systems during the initial climb. The aircraft failed to clear the airport’s boundary wall before descending.
The AAIB noted that when fuel switches are returned to RUN while airborne, the aircraft’s engine control systems automatically attempt to restore power. A relight sequence was underway when the crew issued a brief “MAYDAY” distress call. Air traffic control received no further response before the crash.
Aviation safety analyst David Soucie, speaking to CNN, said the fuel switches are intentionally designed to avoid accidental activation. “They are not automated and require deliberate movement,” he said, describing such occurrences as highly unusual.
The captain, aged 56, had over 15,000 hours of flying experience. The first officer, 32, had accumulated more than 3,400 flight hours. Investigators confirmed that preflight configurations, including flap settings, fuel quality, and takeoff weight, met safety requirements. The engines had been recently installed, one in late March and the other in early May.
Air India acknowledged the report and stated its continued cooperation with investigative authorities. The airline also reiterated its commitment to supporting affected families.
Calls for accountability have grown among relatives of the victims. Family members have urged a thorough investigation and preventative measures to avoid future tragedies.
Of the passengers and crew, 169 were Indian nationals, 53 were from the United Kingdom, seven from Portugal, and one from Canada. The aircraft was scheduled to arrive at London Gatwick at 18:25 local time.