Air India Flight 171 preliminary report raises questions after Ahmedabad crash
The preliminary report into the Air India Flight 171 crash has shed light on certain moments in the lead‑up to last month’s accident, while leaving significant questions open for investigators to answer. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner came down less than a minute after take‑off from Ahmedabad, bound for London, resulting in the loss of 241 passengers and crew, as well as 19 people on the ground. Only one passenger survived.
India’s Air Accident Investigation Bureau has issued its 15‑page initial report, as required under international aviation protocols. It states that two fuel cut‑off switches were moved from “run” to “cut‑off” shortly after take‑off, depriving both engines of fuel. Although the engines were restarted, the aircraft was already too low to recover. These switches are designed with a locking mechanism to prevent accidental use, and a partial reference to cockpit dialogue in the report shows one pilot asking the other why they were cut off. No full transcript has been published, nor does the report specify which pilot spoke.
Specialists in accident investigation have pointed out that such reports are not intended to deliver final conclusions. Even so, the choice of details has raised eyebrows. Some have called it unacceptable that dialogue is referenced without full context, while others note the absence of data on what happened in the seconds between the switches being moved and the first attempt to relight an engine.
The report also refers to a US safety bulletin issued in 2018 about certain Boeing aircraft, warning that some fuel cut‑off switches had been installed with their locking features disengaged. That advisory was not deemed serious enough to trigger a mandatory directive, but operators were encouraged to inspect switches as a precaution. Air India’s aircraft had undergone throttle control module replacements, which include the switches, most recently two years ago. Analysts have said this detail may not be directly relevant to the accident but adds complexity to the investigation.
Pilot groups have cautioned against speculation, describing talk of deliberate action as insensitive and unsupported by evidence. Air India’s chief executive has also urged staff not to draw premature conclusions. These reminders underline that preliminary findings are not the final word.
For now, the investigation continues. A final report is expected within the standard time frame, though such inquiries often extend beyond a year. For readers interested in how these investigations unfold, the UK Civil Aviation Authority offers further guidance on aviation safety processes.
For more updates on Air India Flight 171 preliminary report and further insights as the investigation progresses, visit EyeOnLondon – and we’d value your thoughts in the comments.
[Image Credit: BBC news]
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