NEW DELHI—A preliminary investigation report into the June 2025 crash of Air India Flight AI171 has provided the clearest official account yet of the sequence of events that preceded India's deadliest aviation disaster in decades, while stopping short of identifying the cause of the accident that killed about 260 people.
The report, released by India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), found that fuel control switches supplying both engines of the Boeing 787-8 moved from the "RUN" to the "CUTOFF" position within seconds of the aircraft becoming airborne after departing Ahmedabad for London Gatwick on June 12, 2025. The resulting loss of fuel caused both engines to lose thrust shortly after takeoff, according to the investigators.
The aircraft crashed less than a minute after takeoff into a medical college complex near the airport. Authorities have said about 260 people died, including nearly everyone aboard the aircraft and several people on the ground. One passenger survived.
According to the AAIB's factual findings, cockpit voice recordings captured one pilot asking the other why the fuel had been cut off, with the other pilot replying that he had not done so. The report did not identify which pilot made either statement and did not determine how or why the switches changed position. Investigators said the engines began relight attempts after the switches were returned to the "RUN" position, but the aircraft was unable to regain sufficient power before impact.
The bureau said the preliminary report was intended to present verified factual information gathered during the investigation rather than assign blame or determine probable cause. It said there was no basis at this stage for recommending operational or technical action against Boeing, the aircraft manufacturer, or GE Aerospace, which produced the engines.
The investigation is being led by the AAIB in accordance with international aviation standards, with participation from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board and technical representatives from Boeing, GE Aerospace and other stakeholders because the aircraft and key components were manufactured in the United States.
Air India said after publication of the preliminary report that it remained committed to supporting the families of those affected and would continue cooperating fully with investigators. The airline declined to comment on specific findings, referring inquiries to the AAIB while the investigation remains active.
The AAIB has emphasized that the investigation is continuing and that a final report, including conclusions and any safety recommendations, will be issued only after all investigative work and the required international review process are complete.
