Air India Flight AI171 Crash Report Reveals Chip Malfunction as Cause

A report on the Air India flight AI171 crash suggests a chip malfunction, not pilot error, as the cause of the crash. A former pilot believes the confusion in the cockpit was due to a technical issue, possibly a chip failure, rather than pilot error. The report found that the fuel cutoff switches flipped simultaneously, starving the engines of fuel, but the pilot's workload may have caused the system to stop functioning.

The preliminary report on the Air India flight AI171 crash has shed light on a potential technical cause for the tragedy, according to a former pilot. The report, released by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), suggests that a chip malfunction may have been responsible for the crash, rather than pilot error [1].

The crash, which occurred on June 12, 2025, resulted in the deaths of 260 individuals, including 229 passengers, 12 crew members, and 19 people on the ground. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner was carrying 242 people when it crashed near Ahmedabad, Gujarat [2].

Marco Chan, a senior lecturer at Buckinghamshire New University and former pilot, told Reuters that the report indicates a technical issue rather than pilot error. He stated that the chances of accidentally switching the fuel cut-off toggle would be "close to zero" [1]. The report found that the fuel cut-off switches flipped simultaneously, starving the engines of fuel and causing the crash [2].

Chan believes that the confusion in the cockpit was due to a technical issue, possibly a chip failure, rather than pilot error. He explained that the system may have stopped functioning due to excessive workload, similar to a laptop shutting down. "It's been working very hard, like your laptop stops working, basically giving you the blue screen of death and Windows," he added [1].

The report also highlighted the need to investigate whether Air India carried out necessary maintenance and replacement of certain chips in accordance with the Service Bulletin. Additionally, the investigation should focus on the nature of the bulletin issued by GE Aviation and its partner, Bowen [1].

Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu hailed the AAIB for conducting a "transparent and professional" investigation into the crash [3]. The preliminary report is currently under review by the Civil Aviation Ministry, and further comments will be made after the final report is released.

The investigation continues, and the AAIB has stated that there are no recommended actions to be taken at this stage. Air India has acknowledged the report and noted that they are working closely with regulators [2].

References:
[1] https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/world/former-pilot-points-to-chip-malfunction-not-pilot-error-in-initial-report-on-ai171-tragic-crash/
[2] https://thesouthfirst.com/news/air-india-plane-crash-aaib-preliminary-report-reveals-both-engines-shut-down-after-fuel-cut-off-switches-changed/
[3] https://www.business-standard.com/industry/aviation/civil-aviation-minister-hails-aaib-for-initial-report-on-air-india-crash-125071200410_1.html