In brief
An investigation into the Air India Flight 171 crash reveals critical findings that the fuel was cut off seconds after takeoff, suggesting potential pilot error. All but one of the 242 passengers were lost, marking one of India's deadliest aviation disasters.
Seconds after takeoff, Air India Flight 171 tragically crashed, prompting a detailed investigation by India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau. Preliminary reports indicate that fuel was cut off to both engines shortly after the aircraft departed from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad. According to the voice and data recorder analysis, the hijacking of fuel from the engines raises serious concerns regarding the actions of the pilots, effectively ruling out mechanical issues or manufacturing defects. During the critical moments before the crash, interactions between the pilots were captured on the cockpit voice recording. One pilot questioned the other, saying, "Why did you cutoff?" to which the other replied, “I did not do so.” The London-bound Boeing 787 Dreamliner, carrying 242 individuals, went down on June 12, hitting a medical college dining hall before exploding into flames. The incident is marked as one of the most catastrophic aviation disasters in recent Indian history, claiming over 270 lives, including numerous casualties on the ground. Reports reveal that Captain Sumeet Sabharwal had over 10,000 hours of flying experience, while First Officer Clive Kunder had accumulated 3,400 hours. Initial estimates of their combined experience were reportedly underestimated, anticipating closer to 10,000 hours. The investigation continues as officials examine the events leading up to this devastating accident.
