Was Air India AI-171 Doomed by a Glitch? Investigators Probe Sudden Fuel Switch Flip to ‘Cutoff’

The preliminary findings into the tragic crash of Air India flight AI-171 have sparked concerns over a possible technical glitch that may have caused the fuel control switch to suddenly shift to the "Cutoff" position. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is investigating whether a system error or malfunction triggered this uncommanded transition, which led to the dual-engine shutdown shortly after takeoff.

Switch Movement Under Scrutiny After Pilot Exchange

According to the AAIB's report, cockpit voice recordings revealed a brief conversation between the pilots seconds before the crash, discussing the fuel control switch. One pilot questioned why the fuel had been cut off, with the other denying any such action. Investigators are examining if a software or electrical fault caused the switch to move from "Run" to "Cutoff" on its own.

The fuel control switch is a critical component that regulates the fuel supply to aircraft engines. A sudden transition to "Cutoff" can lead to a complete loss of thrust, as was observed in this incident.

Stabilizer Sensor Defect Noted Prior to Crash

Crucially, just hours before the June 12 flight from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, a pilot operating the same aircraft from Delhi to Ahmedabad logged a 'Stabilizer Position Transducer Defect' in the technical report. This sensor plays a vital role in managing the aircraft's pitch by sending signals that ensure accurate control responses. Troubleshooting was carried out following Boeing's standard guidelines.

Though the stabilizer defect is not confirmed as the direct cause of the crash, officials believe it may have caused multiple sensor malfunctions or false signals that contributed to the incident.

Dual Engine Failure Confirmed by AAIB

The AAIB report confirms that both engines shut down simultaneously due to the fuel control switches transitioning to "Cutoff" within a single second. Although the pilots tried to move the switches back to "Run," the aircraft crashed moments later.

The crash occurred shortly after the aircraft reached Vr speed and began its climb. A sudden shift in sensor modes during this phase is now under intense scrutiny.

Aircraft Faced Previous Technical Issues

The same Boeing aircraft had reported technical issues in the past. In December 2024, a significant electrical snag caused the cancellation of another scheduled AI-171 flight from Ahmedabad. Back in 2015, the aircraft made an emergency landing due to a Cabin Air Compressor surge.

Additionally, a false fuel system warning was reported during a different flight, flashing erroneously on the display. Each of these previous issues is being analyzed as part of the broader probe into possible recurring system faults.

Investigators are also reviewing whether the FADEC (Full Authority Digital Engine Control) system's Engine Control Unit might have malfunctioned, misinterpreting flight data and leading to incorrect commands. Another angle includes exploring if switch locks disengaged due to electrical anomalies, triggering an automatic shutdown.

Flight data, cockpit recordings, and maintenance logs are being meticulously examined to determine whether faulty software, electrical glitches, or sensor failures caused the crash.