AAIB Report on Air India Crash: Fuel Cutoff Switches Key to Engine Failure

A preliminary report by India’s AAIB has shed light on the Air India AI171 crash in Ahmedabad. The Boeing 787-8 aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff, resulting in 260 fatalities. The report highlights the sudden shutdown of both engines shortly after liftoff. The Enhanced Airborne Flight Recorder (EAFR) data showed the fuel cutoff switches were moved to the CUTOFF position. The pilots attempted to restart the engines, but the aircraft’s descent continued, culminating in a crash. The final ‘MAYDAY’ call was sent just before impact. The AAIB is continuing its investigation, examining multiple aspects of the flight, including pilot actions, engine conditions, and maintenance logs. The final report is expected in the coming months.