The AAIB report on the June 12 Air India Flight 171 crash in Ahmedabad.
June 12 Air India Flight 171 crash in Ahmedabad Fuel Supply Cut
Fuel supply cut shortly after takeoff
The cockpit voice recorder revealed that both engine fuel-cutoff switches were moved from RUN to CUTOFF just seconds after liftoff, causing a sudden loss of engine thrust.
Pilot confusion recorded in cockpit audio
One pilot is heard asking, “Why did he cut off the fuel?”, to which the other replies, “I didn’t do it.” Neither pilot admits responsibility.
No mechanical failure suspected yet
The report indicates that the cutoff switches are guard-protected, and accidental activation is unlikely. Investigators are exploring whether it was pilot error, intentional action, or a technical glitch.
Related prior safety notice
The FAA in 2018 issued an advisory (not mandatory) about possible disengagement of safety locks on similar switch mechanisms. It’s unclear if Air India inspected this aircraft accordingly.
Crash outcome
Engines were switched back to RUN, but the plane didn’t have time or altitude to recover. It crashed into a college block with over 260 fatalities; only a single survivor was reported.
Summary
Seconds after takeoff from Ahmedabad on June 12, both engine fuel switches were moved to OFF. A cockpit recording captures a tense exchange: “Why did you cut off the fuel?” — “I didn’t.” Investigators are determining if it was accidental, deliberate, or due to a system fault.
The FAA had earlier flagged safety concerns over similar switches, but compliance by Air India remains uncertain. With engines powerless and too little altitude, tragically the aircraft crashed—260 lives lost, 1 survivor.
Let me know if you’d like details from the final AAIB report once it’s released.