The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is actively investigating the Air India flight AI-171 crash that occurred in Ahmedabad in June last year. Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol informed Parliament about the comprehensive investigation aimed at concluding it promptly. The investigation, conducted in adherence to ICAO rules, is exploring all potential causes of the accident.
A preliminary report on the incident was released by AAIB on July 12, revealing that both engines of the Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner experienced a loss of thrust due to fuel cut-off switches moving to the ‘CUTOFF’ position. However, the cockpit voice recorder indicated that one pilot did not turn off the fuel control switches, which were subsequently returned to the ‘RUN’ position just before the crash.
The tragic crash, which claimed the lives of 241 passengers and crew on board the plane and 19 individuals on the ground, occurred shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad airport. The final report, as per International Civil Aviation Organisation regulations, must be submitted within 12 months of the incident. Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu emphasized the preliminary nature of the AAIB’s report and advised against drawing conclusions until the final report is released.
