Fuel Cutoff Causes Air India Boeing 787 Crash Ahmedabad, London

A preliminary investigation by India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) into the June 12 crash of Air India Flight 171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, revealed that the fuel control switches for both engines were moved from the "run" to the "cutoff" position shortly after takeoff, causing a loss of engine thrust and leading to the crash that killed 260 people. Data from the Enhanced Airborne Flight Recorder showed the switches transitioned within one second of each other at a top speed of 180 knots, with cockpit voice recordings capturing confusion between the pilots about who had cut off the fuel. Although the switches were flipped back to "run" and emergency systems like the Ram Air Turbine deployed, the aircraft was unable to regain sufficient power before crashing. The AAIB report found no significant faults with the Boeing 787-8 or its GE GEnx-1B engines and did not recommend any immediate actions for the aircraft or engine manufacturers. The report also noted a 2018 FAA advisory regarding a potential disengagement of a fuel control switch locking feature, but Air India did not perform suggested inspections as they were advisory and not mandatory. The investigation remains ongoing, with no conclusions or blame assigned yet, and Air India is cooperating fully with authorities.