In brief
The investigation into the Air India Boeing 787 crash that killed 260 people is ongoing, with the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau affirming significant progress in analysing flight data and engine components. The preliminary report identified a sudden fuel‑control switch‑off that caused engine power loss shortly after take‑off from Ahmedabad. Recent media reports suggesting senior pilot credence have prompted criticism from pilots’ associations and the AAIB. While the bureau acknowledges substantial work, it has not set a completion date for the final report.
The Indian Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has confirmed that work on the investigation of the Air India Flight AI171 crash is proceeding, though it has not yet set a date for the final report. The crash, which occurred a year ago when a Boeing 787 Dreamliner failed to take off from Ahmedabad en route to London, killed 260 people, including all but one passenger and 19 on the ground.
A preliminary report released last July suggested that, seconds after take‑off, fuel‑control switches moved to the “cut‑off” position, starving the engines of fuel and leading to a total power loss. Audio from the cockpit recorded one pilot asking why the other had made the switch and the other denying any action. However, the investigation has not yet identified which pilot spoke.
New details released by The Wall Street Journal and Reuters point to senior pilot Captain Sabharwal, citing a cockpit recording that suggests the captain cut the fuel flow before the crash. The speculation sparked strong criticism from pilot associations and the AAIB, which rejected the notion that the senior pilot caused the accident.
The AAIB noted that “significant progress” had been made in examining aircraft systems, flight‑recorder data, engine components, maintenance and operational records. Despite this, the bureau has said the final report will be issued “upon its completion” without specifying a lead time.
