India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau has released a preliminary report detailing the tragic crash of Air India flight AI171, which occurred shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad on June 12, 2023. The report indicates that fuel supply to the aircraft’s engines was deliberately cut off, leading to the incident that claimed the lives of 241 individuals, with only one survivor.
The London-bound Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner had just lifted off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport when it lost altitude and crashed into the BJ Medical College and Hospital hostel. According to the report obtained by CNN, the fuel control switches in the cockpit were switched off, shutting down both engines at a critical moment. Investigators recovered crucial data from the flight data recorders, which included 49 hours of flight data and two hours of cockpit audio.
Details from the Cockpit
The report reveals that the aircraft had reached an airspeed of 180 knots when both fuel cutoff switches were transitioned from RUN to CUTOFF within a one-second interval. One pilot reportedly questioned the other about the cutoff, to which the other responded that he had not done so. The cockpit voice recordings provide insight into the moments leading up to the crash, capturing the urgency of the situation.
As the aircraft began to lose altitude, footage from the airport showed the deployment of the Ram Air Turbine, an emergency power source. Investigators noted that the switches were eventually reversed, allowing the engines to attempt a relight, but the crash occurred before any recovery could take place. A distress call was made moments before the impact, with one pilot declaring, “MAYDAY MAYDAY MAYDAY,” yet the air traffic controller did not receive a response.
Investigation Findings
The investigation also confirmed that the aircraft’s weight was within allowable limits and that there were no dangerous goods on board. The flaps were correctly set at a 5-degree position for takeoff, and the landing gear lever was in the down position. Notably, the left engine had been installed on March 26, 2023, and the right engine on May 1, 2023.
The captain, a 56-year-old man with over 15,000 flight hours, and the first officer, a 32-year-old with more than 3,400 hours, were experienced pilots. Despite the significant loss, the preliminary report indicates that much of the aircraft was in normal condition, and the fuel quality was satisfactory. Investigators found no significant bird activity in the vicinity during the flight path.
The crash of Air India flight AI171 not only resulted in a devastating loss of life but also raises critical questions regarding cockpit protocols and safety measures. The investigation is ongoing, and further updates are expected as authorities continue to analyze the data collected from the wreckage.
