On June 12, 2025, India witnessed one of its deadliest aviation disasters when Air India Flight AI‑171 crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad. With 241 passengers losing their lives, the incident left the entire nation in shock. But what really caused the crash? Was it mechanical failure, human error, or something more sinister? In this blog, we uncover all the facts revealed so far.
🔶 What Happened: AI‑171 Crash Timeline
Aircraft: Boeing 787 Dreamliner
Route: Ahmedabad ✈ London Gatwick
Time of Incident: Within 35 seconds after takeoff
Location: Crashed into B.J. Medical College hostel
Casualties: 241 passengers, 19 on the ground
Survivors: Only one passenger
🔶 What the Black Box Revealed
According to the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB):
Both engine fuel control switches went from RUN → CUTOFF in 1 second
This caused both engines to shut down due to fuel starvation
A voice on the recorder asks, “Why did you cut off fuel?”—but the second pilot denies doing it
🔶 Was it a Technical Glitch or Pilot Error?
So far, no mechanical issue has been found.
Experts claim it is extremely difficult to flip those switches accidentally
Boeing 787 has safety locks and design protections
Aviation analyst Anthony Brickhouse called it a “highly unusual” case, possibly intentional
🔶 The Critical 10 Seconds
According to Times of India, the most important 10 seconds of the flight saw:
Engine shutdown
Attempted restart
Loss of altitude and speed Unfortunately, by the time the pilots tried to reset the switches, the aircraft was too low to recover.
🔶 Global Reactions & Mental Health Impact
Mental health experts reported a spike in flying anxiety, even among regular travelers
Families in the UK received wrongly identified bodies, raising serious crisis management concerns
The investigation continues with full ICAO compliance; final report expected in 2026
🔶 Quick Facts Table
Detail Info
Aircraft Boeing 787 Dreamliner
Flight No. AI-171
Crash Time ~30 seconds after takeoff
Main Cause (So far) Fuel switch cut-off
Investigation Status Ongoing (Final report due 2026)
🔶 What We Know – And Don’t Know Yet
While initial findings point to a human-triggered fuel shutdown, the exact reason—whether accidental or intentional—remains unclear. The AAIB is analyzing crew behavior, training records, and mechanical data for a full picture.
🔶 Final Thoughts
The Ahmedabad AI‑171 crash is a tragic reminder of how every second counts in aviation. Whether due to human error, system flaw, or deliberate action, the loss of life has left families devastated and trust shaken. Let’s hope the investigation leads to clarity, justice, and reforms.