Air India Plane Crash: Investigators Find Out The Possible Reason!

Date: July 12, 2025 | NewsMakers Web Desk

The preliminary investigation into the tragic Air India (AI) flight AI-171 crash in Ahmedabad has revealed a shocking cause: both engines shut down just seconds after takeoff. The incident led to the deaths of 241 people onboard and 33 on ground.

According to India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), the reason behind this catastrophic failure appears to be the fuel control switches. As report says, the fuel switches unexpectedly moved from the ‘Run’ to ‘Cutoff’ position, shutting fuel supply to the engines and leading to complete power failure.

32 Seconds to Disaster

On June 12, 2025, AI 171 took off from Ahmedabad Airport at 1:39 PM IST. According to the AAIB report, within just 32 seconds, the aircraft had lost all thrust and crashed into the BJ Medical College hostel, located approximately 1.6 kilometers (0.9 nautical miles) from the runway.

The plane managed to reach only 650 feet in altitude before losing power. The report notes that both fuel control switches moved to the ‘Cutoff’ position almost simultaneously, resulting in fuel starvation and engine failure.

Fuel Control Switches?

Fuel control switches regulate the flow of fuel to an aircraft’s engines. Pilots use them to start or shut down engines, especially during emergencies or on ground.

In modern aircrafts like the Boeing 787, these switches are specially designed for safety. They’re spring-loaded and protected by a metal bracket and mechanical stop-lock system, preventing accidental movement. To move the switch, a pilot must lift and then shift it deliberately.

“Why Did You Shut Off the Fuel?”

The cockpit voice recorder captured a chilling exchange between the two pilots:

Captain: “Why did you shut off the fuel?”
Co-Pilot: “I didn’t do anything.”

Seconds later, both switches returned to the ‘Run’ position—but by then, it was already too late.

Technical Fault or Human Error?

According to U.S. aviation safety expert John Cox, it is “virtually impossible” to accidentally toggle the fuel control switches, especially both at once.

“You can’t bump them off accidentally,” he explained. “No trained pilot would ever shut off fuel during takeoff.”

So, if neither pilot touched them, the critical question is:
Who—or what—shut off the fuel?

Unanswered Questions Remain

The AAIB report does not yet clarify whether the switches were toggled by human error, mechanical failure, or a deeper electronic or system malfunction. Both pilots initially survived the crash but later died from injuries—leaving no first-hand account of what happened in the cockpit.

Investigators are now relying on a detailed analysis of the black box data, aircraft wiring, and possible software glitches to determine the real cause.

What This Means for Aviation Safety???

This incident raises serious concerns about aircraft safety systems and design protocols. If a system as secure as the fuel control switch can be deactivated during flight—either by fault or unknown trigger—then even the most advanced aircraft can be vulnerable.

Aviation authorities may now have to rethink redundancy, switch ergonomics, and system override protections to prevent future tragedies.