Investigators reveal fuel cut issues in Air India crash
- The Air India flight AI171 crashed shortly after takeoff due to engine failure.
- Preliminary investigations indicate that fuel control switches in the cockpit were turned off, leading to a loss of thrust.
- Only one passenger survived the crash, prompting discussions on pilot training and air safety protocols.
On June 12, 2025, an Air India flight, AI171, took off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad, India. Shortly after takeoff, the aircraft experienced catastrophic failure, leading to a crash into a nearby student hostel. Preliminary reports from India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau indicated that critical fuel control switches in the cockpit were changed, resulting in the engines losing power. This loss of thrust occurred at a crucial moment when the plane had gained an airspeed of 180 knots but had not yet retracted its landing gear. Tragically, of the 242 people on board, only one passenger survived the incident. This crash raised serious concerns regarding pilot awareness and handling during takeoff, as voiced by aviation experts and analysts who reviewed the situation. The investigation has led to reflections on past incidents of accidental engine shutdowns, noting the possibility that the switches may have been unintentionally moved. Onlookers and investigators are left to ponder the implications of this event, particularly given the rarity of simultaneous engine failures in commercial aviation. The situation has significantly ignited discussions about air safety protocols and potential shortcomings in pilot training to handle similar emergencies. The focus now lies on preventing such accidents and ensuring thorough training for flight crews to safeguard against both accidental and intentional fuel supply disruptions.