Air India Ahmedabad Crash: AAIB Report Reveals Critical Dual-Engine Shutdown

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has released its preliminary report on the tragic crash of Air India's Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner (VT-ANB) that occurred on June 12, claiming at least 270 lives, including 241 passengers.

According to the report, both engines shut down seconds after take-off, likely due to fuel cutoff switches moving from 'RUN' to 'CUTOFF', cutting off fuel supply mid-air. A cockpit voice recorder captured a chilling exchange: one pilot asked, "Why did you cut off?" and the other replied, "I didn't."

Key Technical Findings:

• Ram Air Turbine (RAT) deployed during initial climb, confirming total power loss.
• Flight data shows the aircraft was airborne for just 32 seconds, covering 0.9 nautical miles before crashing into BJ Medical College Hostel near the airport.
• Engine 1 began to recover after the switches were reset to 'RUN', but Engine 2 failed to regain core speed.
• At impact, thrust levers were near idle, though they had been forward during the climb.
• Normal take-off configurations: Flaps were set at five degrees; landing gear lever was in DOWN position.

Weather & Pilot Conditions:

• Clear weather and good visibility were reported.
• Pilots were medically fit, rested, and highly experienced with the Dreamliner.

Maintenance & Safety Oversight:

• No evidence suggests sabotage or foul play.
• The FAA had issued a 2018 advisory about possible disengagement of fuel control switch locking mechanisms on Boeing 737s-not 787s-and did not issue a mandatory directive.
• Air India had not performed the optional inspections related to that advisory.
• Maintenance records show no recent defects in fuel control switches; the throttle control module was replaced in 2019 and 2023, but unrelated to this incident.

The AAIB continues its investigation, focusing on whether a mechanical fault, design oversight, or possible uncommanded switch movement caused the fatal fuel cutoff.