🇮🇳 Tragedy in Ahmedabad: What Really Happened to Air India Flight AI171?

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On June 12, 2025, a routine international flight turned into one of India’s deadliest aviation disasters. Air India Flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, crashed just moments after takeoff from Ahmedabad Airport, killing 260 people and raising urgent questions about aviation safety and cockpit procedures. Here's everything we know, from the moment the aircraft lifted off to the most recent investigation updates as of July 19, 2025.

✈️ The Flight: Route, Aircraft, and Crew

Flight AI171 was scheduled to operate a nonstop service from Ahmedabad (AMD) to London Gatwick (LGW). The aircraft involved was a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, tail number VT-ANB, delivered to Air India in 2014. At the time of the incident, it had logged over a decade of flight time.

Onboard were 230 passengers and 12 crew members, including two experienced pilots:

  • Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, age 56, had over 15,600 total flight hours, including 8,600 on the 787.

  • First Officer Clive Kunder, age 32, had accumulated 3,400 flight hours, with 1,100 on type.

🕒 The Crash: 42 Seconds After Takeoff

At 13:38 local time, AI171 began its takeoff roll. Weather conditions were normal. Within 30 to 40 seconds of becoming airborne, the aircraft lost all engine thrust. It crashed into a hostel building near B.J. Medical College, just over half a mile from the runway.

The force of the impact destroyed the aircraft and severely damaged the building. A massive fire broke out, complicating rescue efforts. Out of 242 people onboard, only one passenger survived. Additionally, 19 people on the ground lost their lives, bringing the total death toll to 260.

🕵️ What Caused the Engines to Shut Down?

Initial findings from India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) point to a manual cutoff of both engine fuel control switches just seconds after takeoff. According to the flight data recorder, both switches were moved to the "CUTOFF" position within one second of each other, effectively shutting off fuel supply to the engines.

Ten seconds later, both switches were returned to "RUN" — but by then, it was too late. The aircraft had already entered a rapid descent.

🎙️ Inside the Cockpit: Startling CVR Recordings

The cockpit voice recorder (CVR) captured a brief but chilling exchange:

Pilot 1: "Why did you cut it off?"
Pilot 2: "I did not."

These words have become the focal point of a debate over what truly happened in the cockpit. Was this an accident, a miscommunication, or something more deliberate?

🧪 No Mechanical Failures Found

Extensive inspections of the aircraft, fuel system, and Air India’s other Boeing 787s revealed no mechanical faults or system errors. The engines were functioning properly prior to the fuel cutoff.

While Boeing had previously issued service bulletins regarding starter control switches and misrigged guards, none of those issues were confirmed in this case. The switches are protected by locking guards and require deliberate lifting and movement — making accidental shutoff unlikely.

🌐 Global Reactions and Speculation

Multiple news outlets, including The Wall Street Journal and Reuters, have reported that Captain Sabharwal may have moved the switches intentionally. These reports cite anonymous sources familiar with the preliminary investigation. However, international aviation authorities have urged caution.

The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) called the claims “speculative and premature.” The Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP) and IFALPA have strongly condemned media outlets for casting blame before the investigation is complete.

Air India CEO Campbell Wilson stated that the probe raises “serious questions” but emphasized that “no final conclusions have been reached.”

👨‍👩‍👧 Victims and Aftermath

The lone survivor — a British national seated in 11A — escaped with minor burns. Families of the victims continue to demand transparency, answers, and justice.

On the ground, 67 people were injured, and numerous families lost loved ones not just onboard, but in the building struck by the aircraft.

🔎 Where the Investigation Stands – July 19, 2025

As of today, the investigation is ongoing with cooperation from:

  • India’s AAIB

  • Boeing

  • GE Aerospace

  • NTSB (USA)

  • UK Civil Aviation Authority

The black boxes have been fully recovered and analyzed. While many clues point to manual intervention, investigators are still trying to determine why the fuel cutoff switches were moved.

No final report has been issued, and no pilot has been officially blamed.

🛑 Final Thoughts

The crash of Air India Flight AI171 is one of the most devastating tragedies in India’s aviation history. With 260 lives lost and unanswered questions hanging in the air, the world continues to watch as investigators seek to uncover the truth.

Until then, we must approach every theory — and every headline — with care, compassion, and commitment to facts.

Location: Ahmedabad Airport

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