Highlights
- India’s regulator ordered deeper checks on Air India’s 787 fleet, causing delays and cancellations in the weeks after the crash. ABC News
- London-bound Air India Flight AI171 crashed shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad on 12 June 2025. PBS
- At least 241 of the 242 people on board died; fatalities on the ground raised the toll above 260, according to early counts. PBS+2Reuters+2
- Investigators say both engine fuel-cutoff switches moved to “cutoff” moments before impact; why this happened remains unresolved. Reuters+1
- Flight data and cockpit voice recorders were recovered; the probe involves India’s AAIB with international support. PBS
Content
Overview
On 12 June 2025, Air India Flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 from Ahmedabad (AMD) to London Gatwick (LGW), crashed into a built-up area shortly after take-off. It is among the worst aviation disasters in India in decades. PBS
Aircraft, route, and toll
AI171 departed Ahmedabad with 230 passengers and 12 crew. Authorities reported one survivor from the aircraft, while additional fatalities occurred on the ground, bringing the death toll above 260 in early tallies. Precise counts varied as identification progressed. https://www.fox10tv.com+3airindia.com+3PBS+3
Step-by-step timeline (what’s established)
- Take-off: The 787-8 lifted off from Ahmedabad early afternoon local time on 12 June. airindia.com
- Emergency: Within moments, the crew declared an emergency (“Mayday”) and the jet failed to gain height. PBS
- Impact: The aircraft struck buildings near a medical college hostel outside the airport perimeter; people on the ground were among the victims. PBS
What investigators have found so far
A preliminary report indicates both engine fuel-control cutoff switches moved to the “cutoff” position almost simultaneously, starving the engines of fuel. The report describes cockpit confusion over the switch positions but does not explain why the switches moved. Investigators are assessing whether mechanical, human-factors, or other causes are implicated. Reuters
Data recorders and scope of the probe
The flight data recorder (FDR) and cockpit voice recorder (CVR) were recovered. India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is leading the probe with assistance from the U.K., U.S., and Boeing. No findings have suggested pilot medical issues; the airline has urged against premature conclusions. A final report is pending. PBS+1
Regulatory and operational fallout
Following the crash, India’s regulator directed deeper inspections of Air India’s 787 fleet. The additional checks caused delays and cancellations as aircraft underwent examination. ABC News
Open questions (what remains unknown)
- Root cause of fuel cutoff: The precise trigger for the fuel-switch movement remains undetermined. Investigators are considering both human-machine interface factors and potential mechanical or electrical faults. Reuters
- System design context: Media coverage has noted earlier FAA guidance about locking mechanisms on fuel-control switches on other Boeing types; how, if at all, such issues relate to AI171 remains to be established by the official inquiry. Al Jazeera
Related safety context (separate incident)
In July, an Air India A320neo arriving in Mumbai suffered a runway excursion without injuries; the AAIB’s preliminary note cited engine and tyre damage. While unrelated to AI171, the event added to public scrutiny of operational safety. The Economic Times
