Air India Flight 182 Crash: Cockpit Chaos and Engine Fuel Loss

A preliminary report by India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has revealed that the engines of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner lost fuel mid-flight due to sudden flips of the engine cutoff switches. The crash killed 260 people and left one survivor. The report also shows confusion between the pilots after the incident. The cause of the switches flipping is not yet known. The crash has raised scrutiny over the design and placement of the critical fuel cutoff switches.

A preliminary report by India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has shed light on the causes behind the tragic crash of Air India flight AI171. The report, released on July 12, 2025, indicates that the engines of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner lost fuel mid-flight due to sudden flips of the engine cutoff switches. This unexpected event resulted in the loss of 260 lives and left one survivor.

The report details that the fuel cut-off switches moved from the "RUN" to the "CUTOFF" position sequentially, with a one-second interval between each transition. This sequence led to both engines losing thrust, causing the plane to crash shortly after takeoff near Ahmedabad. The report also revealed confusion between the pilots in the cockpit, with one pilot questioning the other about the cutoff, but neither admitting to initiating the action.

The cause of the switches flipping is still under investigation. The report does not specify how the switches were inadvertently activated. There were no reported defects related to the fuel control switch since 2023, according to the preliminary report. The crash has raised scrutiny over the design and placement of the critical fuel cutoff switches.

Air India has expressed solidarity with the families affected by the accident and is fully cooperating with investigators. The airline has stated that it is committed to supporting the bereaved and working closely with stakeholders and regulators.

The crash is a significant setback for Air India, which had been under intense scrutiny following several safety violations and operational issues. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency has announced plans to investigate Air India Express, a budget unit of the airline, for alleged non-compliance with engine part change directives. Additionally, India's aviation watchdog has warned the airline for breaching rules related to escape slide checks and pilot duty timings.

The AAIB, which is leading the probe into the crash, is expected to release a final report within a year. The preliminary report, however, suggests that the sudden flipping of the fuel cutoff switches was a key factor in the crash. The investigation is ongoing, and the full extent of the cause remains to be determined.

References:
[1] https://www.cbsnews.com/news/air-india-plane-fuel-switches-cut-off-crash-report/
[2] https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/air-india-crash-investigators-preliminary-report-1.7583430
[3] https://thesouthfirst.com/news/air-india-plane-crash-aaib-preliminary-report-reveals-both-engines-shut-down-after-fuel-cut-off-switches-changed/