Preliminary Report Raises More Questions Than Answers
A preliminary Air India plane crash report has revealed that the fuel switches on both engines of Air India Flight 171 were cut off moments before the aircraft crashed into a densely populated neighbourhood in Ahmedabad on 12 June 2025. The crash claimed the lives of 260 people, including 241 passengers, 12 crew members, and 19 people on the ground.
The Air India crash report, released by India’s Ministry of Civil Aviation, shows that the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner was operating from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick when its fuel switches went from “RUN” to “CUTOFF” within one second of each other, disabling fuel supply to both engines. Audio recordings from the cockpit captured one pilot asking the other, “Why did you do the cut off?” The other pilot responded, “I didn’t.”
Wreckage of the Air India plane crash being hoisted by a crane in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, on June 14. [PTI file photo]
Pilots Sent a Mayday Before the Fatal Impact
Roughly 10 seconds after the engines were cut off, fuel flow resumed, and the auto-restart process began. However, there was insufficient time to prevent the crash. Within 20 seconds of the engine shutdown, the pilots issued a mayday distress call: “MAYDAY MAYDAY MAYDAY.” The black box ceased recording shortly after.
This revelation has intensified the grief and frustration among victims’ families who are now questioning whether the Air India crash was avoidable.
‘Was This Avoidable?’: Families Seek Clarity
Badasab Syed lost his brother, sister-in-law, and two nephews in the Air India 171 tragedy. He expressed deep concern about the preliminary report, saying, “We don’t know what that means? Was this avoidable?”
His brother, Inayat Syed, an IT professional from the UK, had travelled to India for a wedding. The family was returning to London when their lives were tragically cut short. Badasab added, “Losing her son and grandchildren has made our 83-year-old mother weak. She can’t even express her grief.”
Similarly, Imtiyaz Ali, who lost four family members, called the Air India Flight Crash Report “a product description.” He said, “We want to know exactly what happened. It won’t change anything, but at least we’ll have some answers.”
Ground Casualties Add to Tragedy
The Air India flight AI171 crash not only devastated those on board but also caused widespread destruction on the ground. The plane crashed into the BJ Medical College hostel’s canteen, killing 19 people on-site. Nareshsinh Thakore lost his two-year-old daughter and his mother-in-law, who were at the college delivering food.
“We lost family members even though they weren’t on the plane,” said Nareshsinh. “We don’t have technical knowledge to understand the report.”
Air India and Boeing Respond to the Report
Air India issued a statement expressing solidarity with the affected families and affirmed its continued cooperation with authorities. Boeing also conveyed its condolences to the families of the victims.
Despite these statements, many families remain unsatisfied. “The report doesn’t offer any recommendations or assign accountability,” said Badasab Syed. Others, like Shweta Parihar, who lost her husband Abhinav in the crash, voiced their pain: “For those of us who’ve lost loved ones, they are not coming back.”
A Survivor’s Tale of Escape
One British passenger, Vishwashkumar Ramesh, was the sole survivor. Seated in 11A, he recounted how the plane’s lights flickered before it crashed. “The lights turned green and white… then we slammed into a building. I walked out of the rubble,” he recalled. His brother, who was also on board, did not survive.
Vishwashkumar Ramesh, the sole British survivor of the Air India crash, told Indian state media he escaped through a gap in the fuselage. Seated in 11A, he recalled the cabin lights flickering shortly after take-off. [Source: BBC]
The Investigation and the Black Boxes
Investigators recovered two Enhanced Airborne Flight Recorders (EAFRs), also known as black boxes, within four days of the crash. Despite severe damage, authorities retrieved 49 hours of flight data and two hours of cockpit audio. Experts used a “Golden Chassis” from the US to extract the recordings.
The Air India plane crash report suggests that the cut-off switches, which require deliberate movement, could not have been accidentally activated. “You’ve got to lift and move the switch purposefully,” said Professor Graham Braithwaite, Director of Aerospace at Cranfield University.
Aviation Minister Urges Caution, Pilots’ Union Demands Transparency
Indian Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu urged the public not to draw conclusions prematurely. He praised the aviation workforce as “the backbone of civil aviation” and called for patience until the final report is released.
However, the Airline Pilots’ Association of India (ALPA India) raised concerns about the investigation’s transparency. ALPA President Captain Sam Thomas said, “The investigation presumes the guilt of pilots, and we strongly object to this line of thought.”
The union has called on authorities to include it in the probe, at least as observers, to ensure impartiality.
Air India’s Future Hangs in the Balance
The crash has cast a long shadow over Air India’s turnaround efforts. Under Tata Group ownership since 2022, the airline had started to show financial improvement, upgraded its fleet, and placed a record aircraft order. But the crash has reignited concerns about safety, training, and operational transparency.
Despite the tragedy, India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said there had been no significant drop in air travel. “At most, we observed a marginal dip in traffic for a short period,” said DGCA chief Faiz Ahmed Kidwai.
Conclusion
The Air India Flight Crash Report has brought partial answers, but far more questions. With families grieving, experts still puzzled, and investigators combing through data, the coming months will be critical for uncovering what truly caused the Air India crash. Until then, loved ones continue to wait, not for closure, but for truth.
FAQs about the Air India Plane Crash Report
What does the preliminary Air India plane crash report reveal?
The report indicates that fuel cut-off switches were activated shortly after take-off, shutting down both engines of Air India 171 and leading to the crash.
How many people died in the Air India crash?
The crash killed 260 people, including 241 passengers, 12 crew members, and 19 on the ground.
What is the status of the Air India Flight Crash Report?
It is a preliminary report. Investigators are still analysing black box data, post-mortems, and fuel samples. A final report is expected within 12 months.
Was the crash caused by pilot error or a technical fault?
The Air India plane crash report does not confirm either. Cockpit audio suggests one pilot questioned the fuel switch cut-off, but the other denied activating it.
Is Air India 171 still under investigation?
Yes. Authorities continue to probe what led to the Air India 171 disaster.
What is being done to prevent another Air India crash?
As of now, no specific recommendations have been made. Families and experts urge transparency and accountability in the final Air India Flight Crash Report.
How has Air India responded?
Air India expressed condolences and stated it will fully cooperate with the investigation.
