Preliminary report: fuel supply to engines cut off before Air India crash, pilots confused

Shortly before the Air India Boeing 787-8 crash, during take-off at Ahmedabad Airport on June 12th, the fuel supply towards the engine was switched off, according to a preliminary report. Cockpit voice recordings reveal that the pilots were confused about who had shut off the fuel supply and why.

According to the preliminary report, both engine fuel control switches — for engines 1 and 2 — were moved from “run” to “cutoff” within the span of one second. This action abruptly stopped the flow of fuel, causing both engines to lose thrust. Although fuel was re-engaged and one engine briefly regained power, it was already too late to recover.

The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, registered as VT-ANB, had only been airborne for around 30 seconds after taking off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad when it crashed into a residential neighborhood. Video footage shows the aircraft barely gaining altitude before it suddenly lost lift and descended rapidly.

Flight AI171 departed for London Gatwick, United Kingdom and carried 242 persons (230 passengers, 10 cabin crew, 2 flight crew). One passenger, seated on 11A near the emergency exit, survived the fatal crash.

Draft: Preliminary Summary – Accident Involving Air India B787-8 VT-ANB

Date & Time of Accident: 12 June 2025 at 08:09 UTC (13:39 IST)

Location: Near Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, Ahmedabad, India

Aircraft:

• Type: Boeing 787-8
• Registration: VT-ANB
• Operator: Air India
• Year of Manufacture: 2013

Flight Information:

• Flight Number: AI171
• Route: Ahmedabad (VAAH) – London Gatwick (EGKK)
• Phase of Operation: Initial climb after takeoff

Occupants and Casualties:

• Total Persons on Board: 242 (230 passengers, 10 cabin crew, 2 flight crew)
• Fatalities: 260 (12 crew, 229 passengers, 19 on the ground)
• Serious Injuries: 1 passenger, 67 ground injuries
• Survivors: 1 passenger

Accident Overview:

Shortly after liftoff, both engine fuel cutoff switches were inadvertently or unexpectedly moved to the CUTOFF position, causing both engines to shut down. A “MAYDAY” call was transmitted just prior to impact. The aircraft crashed into residential buildings approximately 0.9 NM from the runway and was destroyed by impact forces and post-crash fire.

Significant Findings (Preliminary):

• Engines: Both engines (GE GEnx-1B) lost power seconds after takeoff due to fuel cutoff.
• Pilot Conversation (CVR): One pilot questioned the other about engine cutoff; the response was denial of intentional action.
• Flight Data Recorder (EAFR): Confirmed sudden fuel cutoff, followed by attempted engine relight procedures.
• Thrust Levers: Found near idle position post-crash, though data confirmed they were in takeoff position until impact.
• RAT Deployment: Ram Air Turbine was automatically deployed after power loss, confirming emergency electrical conditions.
• MEL Items: Multiple open (but valid) MEL items were active, including a CAT A issue with nitrogen generation and a known advisory SAIB regarding the fuel control switch locking feature, which was not inspected as it wasn’t mandatory.
• Maintenance: The aircraft was within all required maintenance windows; last ARC issued in May 2025.

Environmental and Airport Conditions:

• Weather: Clear skies, visibility 6000 meters, temperature 36–38°C, wind light and variable.
• Airport: SVPI Airport was fully licensed and operational. Runway 23 (ILS CAT-1) was used for departure.

Site & Damage:

• The aircraft impacted multiple structures at BJ Medical College and Army Medical Corps complex.
• Debris spread over approx. 1000 ft x 400 ft.
• Extensive structural and fire damage to buildings; several parts (engines, wings, gear) found embedded or separated far from impact.

Investigation Status:

• Flight recorders (FWD EAFR) recovered and partially analyzed.
• Engine components quarantined.
• Fuel samples tested and found clean.
• Crew medical and postmortem assessments ongoing.
• International stakeholders involved: NTSB (USA), AAIB-UK, GPIAAF (Portugal), TSB (Canada), Boeing, GE, FAA.
• No safety recommendations issued at this stage.