Preliminary Report on Air India Flight AI171 Crash Reveals Critical Insights

The preliminary report from India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau sheds light on the tragic crash of Air India flight AI171, which occurred shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad. The report details the unexpected shutdown of both engines, the pilots' attempts to regain control, and the subsequent crash that resulted in 260 fatalities. Investigators are currently analyzing cockpit recordings and other evidence to determine the cause of this devastating incident. As the investigation continues, the aviation community awaits further insights and recommendations to enhance safety measures.
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Preliminary Report on Air India Flight AI171 Crash Reveals Critical Insights

Overview of the Air India Flight AI171 Incident

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) of India has published a preliminary report regarding the tragic incident involving Air India flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8, which crashed shortly after departing from Ahmedabad's Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on June 12. This catastrophic event resulted in the loss of 260 lives, comprising 229 passengers, 12 crew members, and 19 individuals on the ground.


Sequence of Events Leading to the Crash

The report details a distressing timeline that unfolded within just 90 seconds post-takeoff, during which both engines unexpectedly shut down during the initial ascent. This led to a rapid loss of thrust and a steep descent. Data retrieved from the Enhanced Airborne Flight Recorder (EAFR) indicated that the fuel cutoff switches for both engines were mistakenly switched from RUN to CUTOFF in quick succession, occurring within a second at a low altitude shortly after takeoff. A conversation between the pilots was recorded, with one asking, 'Why did you cut off?' and the other responding, 'I did not.'


Technical Analysis and Emergency Response

Following the uncommanded shutdown, the Ram Air Turbine (RAT) was deployed, and the aircraft began to lose altitude immediately, unable to maintain powered flight. The AAIB reported that the pilots attempted to reactivate the fuel switches to reignite both engines. While Engine 1 showed signs of regaining thrust, Engine 2 did not stabilize. The aircraft, which had briefly reached a speed of 180 knots, continued to descend and could not recover altitude. The final distress signal, a 'MAYDAY,' was sent at 08:09 UTC, mere seconds before the aircraft collided with residential structures outside the airport.


Impact and Aftermath of the Crash

The aircraft impacted several buildings, including the BJ Medical College hostel, resulting in extensive structural damage and fires across five locations. The Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) failed to activate, but emergency services were deployed within five minutes of the incident. The wreckage was spread over a distance of more than 1,000 feet, with significant components like the vertical stabilizer, engines, and landing gear found embedded in buildings and scattered throughout the crash site.


Aircraft Background and Regulatory Insights

The aircraft, registered as VT-ANB, was delivered in 2013 and had recently undergone standard maintenance checks. All Airworthiness Directives were adhered to, and the fuel quality was confirmed to meet specifications. No technical defects were reported concerning the engines or flight control systems prior to the crash. The pilot-in-command, aged 56, had over 15,000 flying hours, while the co-pilot, aged 32, had more than 3,400 hours of experience. Both were fully qualified with no recent duty irregularities or medical issues noted.


Ongoing Investigation and Future Recommendations

A Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin (SAIB) issued by the FAA in 2018 had highlighted potential concerns regarding the fuel control switch locking mechanism on similar Boeing models. However, this bulletin was advisory and not mandatory, and Air India had not conducted the suggested inspections. The report indicates that while the locking feature may have been disengaged, there were no prior defect reports associated with the switch on this aircraft.


The AAIB is collaborating with investigators from various international agencies, including the NTSB, Boeing, GE, and safety organizations from the UK, Portugal, and Canada, as they continue to analyze cockpit recordings, engine components, maintenance logs, and pilot actions. Although no immediate safety recommendations have been made, further evaluations are in progress, particularly concerning design safeguards for fuel control systems and potential human factors. The report currently states that there are no recommended actions for B787-8 and/or GE GEnx-1B engine operators and manufacturers.


The investigation is ongoing, with the team set to review additional evidence and information from stakeholders. A comprehensive final report is anticipated in the upcoming months. Flight AI171 was a scheduled service from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, carrying 230 passengers and crew members. This incident marks one of the most devastating aviation disasters in India in recent times.


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