Air India 787 Crash Probe Narrows to Deliberate Pilot Action, Reports Say
Aviation News Editor & Industry Analyst delivering clear coverage for a worldwide audience.
Air India Flight 171's fatal Boeing 787 crash probe increasingly points to deliberate pilot action after engine fuel cutoff was confirmed; mechanical failure is ruled out.
Key Takeaways
- •Investigation into Air India Flight 171 (Boeing 787) crash now leans toward deliberate pilot action, ruling out mechanical failure and sabotage.
- •Preliminary reports confirmed the aircraft's engine fuel control switches were moved to the 'CUTOFF' position within a one-second interval after takeoff.
- •The disaster on June 12, 2025, resulted in 260 fatalities, making it the first fatal accident for the Boeing 787 Dreamliner.
- •Cockpit voice recorder data reportedly captured a confused exchange between the pilots regarding the fuel cutoff.
The investigation into the tragic Air India Flight 171 crash is reportedly focusing on deliberate pilot action as the probable cause. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crashed on June 12, 2025, shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad, India. The flight was bound for London. This disaster resulted in 260 fatalities, including passengers, crew, and people on the ground. Only one passenger survived the fiery impact.
Investigation Focus
India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is leading the probe. They are receiving assistance from the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). Investigators have largely ruled out mechanical failure or sabotage. This leaves the actions of the flight crew as the strongest line of inquiry. The final report is expected to be released by June.
Key Data from Black Boxes
The Boeing 787 Dreamliner crash occurred just 32 seconds after lifting off the runway. The AAIB’s preliminary report highlighted a critical finding. The fuel supply to both engines was cut off. This happened within a one-second interval after takeoff. This sudden engine fuel cutoff starved the engines of power. The plane then rapidly lost altitude and crashed.
Recordings from the cockpit voice recorder data suggest confusion. One pilot reportedly asked the other why the fuel was cut off. The other pilot denied doing so. US officials, who are analyzing the data, have reportedly suggested the evidence points toward the captain. The aircraft was under the control of First Officer Clive Kunder at the time. Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, a veteran pilot, was monitoring the flight. The Wall Street Journal reported a tense exchange in the cockpit.
Pilot Background and Controversy
Captain Sumeet Sabharwal was a highly experienced pilot. He had over 15,000 flying hours. This included over 8,000 hours on the Dreamliner. He was reportedly nearing retirement. His father, Pushkaraj Sabharwal, has publicly defended his son. He has accused US officials of bias. The father has called for an independent aviation safety probe. He also filed a petition with the Supreme Court. The petition challenged the focus on pilot error. The Indian government maintains the investigation follows international conventions set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
Industry and Safety Impact
This incident marks the first fatal accident and hull loss for a Boeing 787 Dreamliner. The focus on deliberate pilot action raises difficult questions for the aviation industry. It highlights the importance of crew mental health and support systems. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) ordered additional technical inspections for Air India's Boeing 787 fleet shortly after the crash. The investigation is using the SHELL model approach. This model scrutinizes Software, Hardware, Environment, and Liveware (human factors). The final findings will likely lead to new safety protocols. They will also impact pilot training globally.
- Key Takeaways
- The Air India Flight 171 crash probe is now primarily focused on deliberate pilot action.
- Flight data confirmed the fuel supply to both engines was cut off within one second after takeoff.
- The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crash killed 260 people on board and on the ground.
- The final report is expected to be released by June 2026.
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Written by Ujjwal Sukhwani
Aviation News Editor & Industry Analyst delivering clear coverage for a worldwide audience. Covers flight operations, safety regulations, and market trends with expert analysis.
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