What Caused the Tragic Air India Flight AI 171 Crash? Insights from Aviation Experts

Expert Analysis on Air India Flight AI 171 Incident

New Delhi: Mark Martin, a leading aviation expert, emphasized that no pilot would recklessly manipulate cockpit switches during critical phases like takeoff and landing. His comments came in response to the preliminary findings from the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) regarding the tragic crash of Air India flight AI 171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, which occurred shortly after departing from Ahmedabad on June 12.

Martin, who heads Martin Consulting, an aviation safety firm based in Asia, pointed out that pilots focus intensely on flight instruments and controlling the aircraft during takeoff and landing, typically until reaching around 2000 feet before engaging the autopilot. He noted that during these phases, pilots concentrate on maintaining flight and managing controls, rather than adjusting the throttle quadrant, which is set to maximum thrust.

The AAIB's preliminary report revealed that both fuel control switches for the engines of flight AI 171 were turned off in quick succession, leading to the shutdown of both engines. A cockpit voice recording captured one pilot questioning the other about the fuel cutoff, to which the second pilot denied any action.

Martin warned that the findings could have significant implications for all operators of the Boeing 787. He stated that it is improbable for a pilot to tamper with switches located behind the thrust levers during takeoff, as their focus would typically be on essential tasks like retracting the landing gear or adjusting flaps. He stressed the importance of awaiting the complete investigation report for a thorough understanding.

The AAIB report confirmed that both pilots had sufficient rest prior to the flight. The incident lasted approximately 30 seconds from takeoff to crash, and currently, there are no recommended actions for operators of Boeing 787-8 aircraft or GE GEnx-1B engines.

This tragic accident resulted in the loss of 260 lives, including 241 of the 242 individuals aboard the aircraft and 19 people on the ground.