Ghostly Chronology of Air India Flight 171
On July 12, 2025, Air India Flight 171 experienced a tragic crash shortly after takeoff. The aircraft, which was cleared for takeoff at 08:07:33, began taxiing to Runway 23 at 07:56:08.
The preliminary investigation has revealed that the crash was likely due to a fuel supply issue. About 3 to 4 seconds after liftoff, the fuel cutoff switch for the first engine was moved from RUN to CUTOFF. One second later, the second engine’s fuel cutoff switch was also moved to CUTOFF. This action, which is not normal procedure at that phase of flight, directly caused the loss of thrust in both engines.
However, the exact cause of the fuel cutoff switches changing to the CUTOFF position remains unresolved. One pilot has denied intentionally moving the switches when asked by the other shortly after the event. It is unclear whether the switches were physically moved by one of the pilots deliberately or accidentally, or whether an electronic glitch caused the transition. The report used the word "transitioned," which could mean a software or mechanical change rather than manual action.
The investigation is ongoing, seeking to clarify the exact reason for the switch positions changing at that critical moment. The crew transmitted a "MAYDAY MAYDAY MAYDAY" distress call at 08:09:05, and the flight data recording stopped at 08:11:11, moments before the aircraft crashed.
Prior to the flight, the aircraft was released for flight after rectification of the "STAB POS XDCR" tech log entry at 06:40. The flight crew underwent a fit to fly breath analyzer test at 06:25 and were issued a fit to fly. The engines began to wind down, and the Rapid Air Turbine deployed at 08:08:47 as the engines began to lose power.
The crash report reveals a sequence of events that led to the disaster. The aircraft began taxiing to Runway 23 at 07:56:08, the engines began to wind down, and the Rapid Air Turbine deployed at 08:08:47. At 08:08:42-43, Engine 1 fuel switch moved to CUTOFF manually, followed by Engine 2 at 08:08:43-44.
The scheduled departure time of AI171 was 07:40. The crew was seen at the boarding gate via CCTV before the incident. The investigation aims to provide answers and ensure the safety of future flights.
[1] Preliminary Investigation Report, Air India Flight 171 Crash, July 12, 2025 [2] Witness Statement, Unnamed Pilot, Air India Flight 171 Crash, July 12, 2025 [3] Technical Log, Air India Flight 171, July 12, 2025 [4] Black Box Recovery Report, Air India Flight 171 Crash, July 12, 2025
In the aftermath of the Air India Flight 171 crash on July 12, 2025, the aviation industry and finance sectors have shown concern as the transportation industry grapples with unraveling this aviation tragedy. The preliminary investigation report suggests a potential fuel supply issue that may have contributed to the crash, highlighting the need for industry-wide improvements in safety protocols and equipment maintenance.
