Skip to content

Facebook Instagram Linkedin X-twitter Youtube

About Us
Contact Us
Advertisement

About Us
Contact Us
Advertisement

Aviation Newsletter

WhatsApp Channel

Search

News
Pilot Training
Flight School Analysis
Civil Aviation
Aviation Jobs
Training
Services
More

News
Pilot Training
Flight School Analysis
Civil Aviation
Aviation Jobs
Training
Services
More

Search

News
Pilot Training
Flight School Analysis
Civil Aviation
Aviation Jobs
Training
Services
More

News
Pilot Training
Flight School Analysis
Civil Aviation
Aviation Jobs
Training
Services
More

News

Civil Aviation

Pilot Training

Flight School Analysis

Aviation Jobs

Training

Services

About Us

Contact Us

Search

air india crash ntsb

Ahmedabad, India: The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has released the preliminary report into the crash of Air India’s Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, registration VT-ANB, which occurred on 12 June 2025 shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. The scheduled flight, operating as AI171, was bound for London Gatwick Airport with 230 passengers, 10 cabin crew, and 2 flight crew on board. All 241 persons on board perished in the accident. Additionally, 19 fatalities were reported on the ground. Aircraft and Crew Information The aircraft involved was a Boeing 787-8 with serial number 36279, manufactured in 2013, and operated by Air India. Both engines were General Electric GEnx-1B series units, installed in March and May 2025 respectively. The aircraft had a valid Certificate of Airworthiness and had undergone its last Airworthiness Review on 22 May 2025. The Pilot-in-Command held an ATPL with over 15,638 hours of total flying experience, including 8,596 hours on type. The First Officer held a CPL with 3,403 hours of total flying experience, of which 1,128 hours were on type. Both pilots were based in Mumbai, had arrived in Ahmedabad the previous day, and had met required rest periods. The First Officer was the Pilot Flying for the accident flight. Sequence of Events On 12 June 2025, VT-ANB had earlier operated AI423 from Delhi and landed at Ahmedabad at 05:47 UTC. A post-flight defect regarding “STAB POS XDCR” was logged and addressed by on-duty maintenance personnel before the aircraft was released for its next flight. Flight AI171 was scheduled for departure at 07:40 UTC. The aircraft pushed back from Bay 34 at 07:48 UTC, taxied to Runway 23, and received takeoff clearance at 08:07:33 UTC. The aircraft began its takeoff roll at 08:07:37 UTC. According to data recovered from the Enhanced Airborne Flight Recorder (EAFR), the aircraft reached V1 at 08:08:33 UTC and rotation speed (Vr) at 08:08:35 UTC. It lifted off at 08:08:39 UTC and reached a maximum recorded indicated airspeed of 180 knots at 08:08:42 UTC. At that moment, both engine fuel control switches, first for Engine 1 and then for Engine 2, with a one-second interval transitioned from the “RUN” to the “CUTOFF” position. The data indicated an immediate decrease in N1 and N2 engine speeds, consistent with fuel supply being cut off. Cockpit voice recordings captured a pilot questioning the action, with one asking, “Why did you cut off?” and the other responding that he had not. No further verbal conflict or distress was recorded before the power loss. Power Loss and Emergency Response The sudden loss of thrust from both engines triggered the deployment of the Ram Air Turbine (RAT), visible on CCTV footage from the airport. The RAT began supplying hydraulic power by 08:08:47 UTC, confirming the engines were no longer providing power. At 08:08:52 UTC, the Engine 1 fuel control switch was moved back to “RUN,” followed by Engine 2 at 08:08:56 UTC. The Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) inlet door also began to open at this time, indicating an automatic start sequence. Both engines attempted relight: Engine 1 showed signs of core recovery, while Engine 2 relit but could not stabilize its core speed. At 08:09:05 UTC, a MAYDAY call was transmitted by one of the pilots. No further communication was received. The aircraft lost altitude rapidly and crashed into the BJ Medical College hostel complex approximately 0.9 nautical miles from the end of Runway 23. The impact caused destruction of five buildings and extensive fire damage. All occupants of the aircraft were fatally injured. According to the report, the Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) was not activated during the sequence. Recovery and Wreckage The wreckage was spread across an area of approximately 1000 feet by 400 feet. The vertical stabilizer, main landing gear, fuselage components, both engines, and nose gear were found at various distances from the initial impact point. The thrust levers were discovered near the idle position, though flight data indicated they were forward (takeoff thrust) until impact. The fuel control switches were found in the “RUN” position post-crash. The forward EAFR was successfully recovered and downloaded using equipment supplied by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). It contained approximately 49 hours of flight data and two hours of audio, including the accident flight. The aft EAFR was too severely damaged to retrieve data. Ongoing Investigation The investigation team comprises AAIB India officers, subject matter experts, and international participants from NTSB (USA), Boeing, General Electric, the FAA, and authorities representing nations whose citizens were onboard. As of the preliminary report, there are no recommendations issued to operators or manufacturers of the B787-8 aircraft or GEnx-1B engines. Fuel samples tested from the bowsers and tanks used to refuel the aircraft were found satisfactory. Additional trace samples collected from the APU and refuel/jettison systems are being sent for further testing. Statements from witnesses and the sole surviving passenger have been recorded. Post-mortem analyses are underway to determine any relevant aeromedical findings. The AAIB emphasized that the investigation remains ongoing, and all evidence, including maintenance records, crew history, and system components, will continue to be evaluated.

Cockpit Voice Captures Fuel Cutoff Confusion in Air India AI171 Crash Preliminary Report

Aviation Today News Desk / July 12, 2025

Gujarat, India: The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has released the preliminary report into the crash of Air India’s Boeing […]

New Delhi, India: Indian authorities are intensifying their investigation into the fatal crash of Air India Flight AI171, with officials confirming that sabotage has not been ruled out as a possible cause. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner, operating on the London-Ahmedabad route, crashed on June 12, resulting in the deaths of all 241 people on board and 19 individuals on the ground. The crash is now considered one of the deadliest aviation disasters in India’s recent history. Black Box Data Under Analysis The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) confirmed that the cockpit voice recorder (CVR) and flight data recorder (FDR) were recovered from the wreckage and are currently being analyzed at a newly equipped laboratory in New Delhi. Officials reported that data from both recorders has been successfully downloaded and the process of reconstructing the aircraft’s final moments is underway. The investigation is being carried out with technical assistance from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), aircraft manufacturer Boeing, and engine maker GE Aerospace. All Possible Causes Being Investigated India’s Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Murlidhar Mohol, stated that no potential cause is being ruled out, including mechanical failure, human error, or sabotage. “The government is committed to a transparent investigation. We are examining every angle, including the possibility of sabotage,” Mohol told reporters. Authorities are scrutinizing CCTV footage from the Ahmedabad airport premises and have questioned several ground-handling personnel. Devices, including mobile phones of certain airport staff, have been seized as part of the probe. Investigators are particularly focusing on any activity near the aircraft in the hours leading up to its departure from London and arrival in Ahmedabad. Sabotage Considered, But Not Confirmed While no conclusive evidence of sabotage has yet been found, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has acknowledged that certain anomalies such as a simultaneous failure of both engines are rare and require thorough examination. Deployment of the aircraft’s emergency Ram Air Turbine (RAT) shortly before impact further supports the theory that the aircraft lost all primary engine power. Officials have not disclosed whether any pre-crash communication indicated a technical or security issue. Domestic Handling of Investigation Contrary to earlier speculation, India has decided not to send the black boxes abroad for analysis. According to government officials, all data extraction and analysis are being handled domestically using newly acquired digital forensics infrastructure. India has also declined a request from the United Nations to allow an ICAO-appointed aviation investigator to participate in the probe. The move has drawn both domestic and international attention, with the government assuring that international best practices under ICAO Annex 13 guidelines are being followed. Fleet Inspections and Safety Measures Following the crash, Air India initiated a precautionary inspection of all 33 Boeing 787s in its fleet. As of June 30, 26 aircraft have cleared safety checks, while the remaining seven continue to undergo technical evaluation. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has also issued advisories to all Indian carriers to enhance maintenance checks on wide-body aircraft and reinforce pilot training related to engine-out procedures. Preliminary Report Expected by Mid-July Under ICAO standards, a preliminary report is due within 30 days of the crash. Officials have indicated that the report is on schedule and should be published by mid-July. A final report, which will include a detailed causal analysis and safety recommendations, is expected within three to six months. Until then, the AAIB will continue to lead a multi-agency investigation, supported by central aviation authorities, Gujarat Police, counter-terrorism agencies, and technical teams from international aviation partners. Background Air India Flight AI171 was approaching Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad when it experienced a sudden and complete loss of engine power. The aircraft crashed in a residential area approximately 8 km from the airport claiming 241 of 242 lives on board and 1 survivor. This is the first fatal crash involving a Boeing 787 aircraft in Indian aviation history. The incident has prompted widespread scrutiny of Air India’s operational protocols and the broader state of aviation safety oversight in the country.

Air India Crash: Black Boxes Analyzed as India Probes Engine Failure, Sabotage Angle

Aviation Today News Desk / July 1, 2025

New Delhi, India: Indian authorities are intensifying their investigation into the fatal crash of Air India Flight AI171, with officials

Follow Us

Facebook-f Instagram Linkedin-in X-twitter Youtube

AVIATION TODAY brings the latest in aviation and aims to cater information to professionals and Aviation Enthusiasts about the Industry.

Quick Links

About Us
Contact Us
Services
Advertise
FAQ

Navigate

Latest News
Civil Aviation
Pilot Training
Flight School Analysis
Aviation Jobs
Training

General Support

info@aviationtoday.in

News Desk Support

news@aviationtoday.in

Follow Us

Facebook-f Instagram Linkedin-in X-twitter Youtube

© Copyright 2025 Aviation Today. All rights reserved.

Terms of Use
Privacy Policy
Disclaimer

Search

About Us
News
Pilot Training
Civil Aviation
Flight School Analysis
Aviation Jobs
Training
Services
More
Contact Us
Advertisement

Aviation Newsletter

Facebook Instagram Linkedin X-twitter Youtube