What's next in AAIB probe on Ahmedabad Air India 171 crash?
**EDS: FILE IMAGE** Ahmedabad: In this Thursday, June 12, 2025 file photo, wreckage of the Air India plane that crashed moments after taking off from the Ahmedabad airport, lies on a building, in Ahmedabad. Both switches feeding fuel to the two engines of Air India flight 171 were cut off followed by pilot confusion before the plane crashed in Ahmedabad, seconds after taking off, the first investigation report into the crash has revealed. (PTI Photo) (PTI07_12_2025_000001B)
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) released its preliminary probe report on Air India's AI171 flight crash in Ahmedabad on Saturday. The report, published a month after the tragic crash, says the fuel cutoff switches to both engines activated soon after take-off.
While the preliminary report rules out any issues with the aircraft, engines, and fuel contamination, it is yet to be determined how the fuel cutoff switches got activated, as it has to be physically switched on, according to experts.
According to the AAIB report, the aircraft was destroyed due to impact with the buildings on the ground and subsequent fire. "A total of five buildings were impacted and suffered major structural and fire damages," it said. The wreckage, from the first impact point till the last identified aircraft item, was distributed in an area of approx. 1000 ft X 400 ft, it added.
According to AAIB, the wreckage of the Boeing 787-7 aircraft has been moved to a secure area near the airport, and both engines have been retrieved and quarantined at one of the hangars at the airport.
While the report says the engine and fuel samples from the bowsers and tanks were examined and found to be satisfactory, only a small quantity fuel samples could be retrieved from the APU filter and Refuel/Jettison valve of left wing. "The testing of these samples will be done at a suitable facility capable of carrying out the test with the limited available quantity," it said.
Highlighting the progress of the probe, the AAIB said the EAFR data is being analyzed in detail, and complete analysis of postmortem reports of the crew and the passengers is being undertaken to "corroborate aeromedical findings with the engineering appreciation". The team is also gathering additional evidence based on initial leads.
Both Boeing and Air India said they would continue to cooperate with the AAIB probe. Air India, in a statement, acknowledged the receipt of the preliminary probe report. "Air India is working closely with stakeholders, including regulators. We continue to fully cooperate with the AAIB and other authorities as their investigation progresses," it said. However, the airline did not comment on how the fuel cutoff switches got activated during take-off.
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