Air India Crash: Was Fuel Cutoff To Both Engines? Shocking Details Emerge In Initial Probe Report

A preliminary investigation into the Air India plane crash that killed at least 270 people in Ahmedabad last month has revealed that the aircraft's engine fuel switches were shifted from 'RUN' to 'CUTOFF' within seconds shortly after takeoff.

(Photo: IANS)

A preliminary investigation into the Air India plane crash that killed at least 270 people in Ahmedabad last month has revealed that both engines of the aircraft shut down unexpectedly within 90 seconds of takeoff during the initial climb, leading to a catastrophic loss of thrust and rapid descent.

According to a 15-page report published by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) on Saturday, flight data obtained from the aircraft's advanced Enhanced Airborne Flight Recorder (EAFR) showed that moments after take-off, the fuel cutoff switches of both engines were inadvertently moved from RUN to CUTOFF one after the other at an interval of one second.

The report also revealed that cockpit audio recordings captured one pilot asking, 'Why did you cut the plane off?', to which the other pilot denied doing so.

This uncommanded shutdown triggered the deployment of the Ram Air Turbine (RAT), and the aircraft began losing altitude almost immediately, unable to sustain powered flight.

According to the AAIB, the pilots re-engaged the fuel switches in an attempt to relight both engines. Engine 1 showed signs of recovering thrust, but Engine 2 failed to stabilise. The aircraft, which had briefly reached a speed of 180 knots, was already descending and failed to regain altitude. The final distress call -- a "MAYDAY" -- was transmitted at 08:09 UTC, just seconds before the aircraft crashed into residential buildings outside the airport perimeter.

Soon after the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) released its preliminary report into the Air India AI171 crash in Ahmedabad, Air India acknowledged receipt of the 15-page preliminary report. It said it continues to cooperate with the AAIB and other authorities fully.

"We continue to mourn the loss and are fully committed to providing support during this difficult time. Air India is working closely with stakeholders, including regulators. We continue to fully cooperate with the AAIB and other authorities as their investigation progresses," Air India stated in a post on X.

The final report is expected in the coming months.

Flight AI171 was a scheduled service from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, carrying 230 passengers and crew. The crash represents one of the deadliest aviation accidents in India in recent history.

(With ANI Inputs)