Boeing Defers to AAIB Following Preliminary Report on Air India Crash.
Following the release of the preliminary investigation report into the Air India Flight 171 crash, Boeing on Saturday said it would defer to the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) for all information related to the incident. The crash occurred shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad on June 12, resulting in the deaths of 260 people, including 241 of the 242 individuals on board.
In a brief statement, the aircraft manufacturer expressed condolences and confirmed its ongoing cooperation.
“Our thoughts remain with the loved ones of the passengers and crew on board Air India Flight 171, as well as everyone affected on the ground in Ahmedabad,” Boeing said. “We continue to support the investigation and our customer. In accordance with ICAO Annex 13 protocols, we will defer to the AAIB to provide further information about the incident.”
Key Findings from the AAIB Report
The AAIB’s initial findings revealed that both engines of the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner shut down simultaneously just seconds after departure. According to the report, the fuel cutoff switches—responsible for regulating fuel supply to the engines—unexpectedly moved from the ‘RUN’ to ‘CUTOFF’ position within the span of one second.
Cockpit voice recordings captured a brief exchange between the two pilots in the moments after the dual engine failure. One pilot was heard saying, “Why did you cut off fuel?” to which the other responded, “I did not do so.”
The aircraft was being operated by Captain Sumeet Sabharwal and First Officer Clive Kunder. Captain Sabharwal, 56, was an experienced pilot with over 15,600 flying hours, including more than 8,500 hours on the Boeing 787. First Officer Kunder, 32, had logged 3,400 flight hours and had been with Air India since 2017. Both pilots were certified on the 787 Dreamliner.
Crash Location and Aftermath
Flight AI171, en route to London Gatwick, crashed into the premises of B J Medical College in Ahmedabad just minutes after takeoff. The sole survivor on board, a flight attendant, is undergoing treatment for critical injuries.
The AAIB’s 15-page report outlines a series of technical anomalies and human factors that are now under deeper scrutiny. The agency has stated that further investigation is needed to determine whether the fuel cutoff was triggered manually, electronically, or due to a mechanical malfunction.
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