Fuel Control Concern Eyed in Air India Ahmedabad Crash

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BY ANTHONY OMOH

An early probe into the fatal crash of Air India’s Boeing 787-8 aircraft (VT-ANB) on June 12, 2025, at Ahmedabad suggests a potential fuel control switch failure as a key factor. The aircraft, operating Flight AI171 to London Gatwick, crashed less than a minute after liftoff, killing all 241 people on board and 19 on the ground.

According to preliminary report released by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) of India, both engines shut down moments after the aircraft lifted off from Runway 23 at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. The aircraft reached a maximum speed of 180 knots before both engine fuel switches transitioned from “RUN” to “CUTOFF” within a second of each other.

 “One of the pilots was heard asking the other why the engine was cut off,” the report said. “The other replied he did not do it.”

This brief exchange, captured on cockpit voice recordings, occurred seconds before the crew declared a MAYDAY at 08:09 UTC. No response followed before the aircraft crashed into nearby buildings 0.9 nautical miles from the runway’s end.

 Flight data suggests possible design vulnerability

Initial analysis of Enhanced Airborne Flight Recorder (EAFR) data showed the fuel control switches had been moved—uncommanded—into the cutoff position. The system governing those switches uses a locking feature that was flagged in a 2018 FAA Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin (SAIB).

This advisory, although non-mandatory, warned operators that fuel control switches on various Boeing aircraft, including the B787, could disengage inadvertently due to improper installation of the locking mechanism. Notably, Air India did not conduct the suggested inspection on VT-ANB because the advisory carried no legal mandate.

This emerging focus on **fuel control switch failure** is raising questions about overlooked safety vulnerabilities in Boeing 787 systems, especially in older fleets. Maintenance records show that the aircraft’s throttle control modules had been replaced twice—once in 2019 and again in 2023—but not in connection with the fuel switch.

Aircraft hit buildings in high-impact crash

As power was lost, the aircraft began losing altitude almost immediately. The Ram Air Turbine (RAT)—an emergency system—deployed automatically, suggesting complete loss of primary electrical power.

The right engine detached after hitting a rooftop water tank, while other major components like landing gear and wing sections scattered across buildings A through F at BJ Medical College. The wreckage was spread over an area approximately 1,000 by 400 feet.

Impact analysis showed the aircraft was in a slight nose-up and wings-level attitude, with flaps at 5 degrees—consistent with normal takeoff settings. The engines were initially in full thrust mode, and the flight deck systems confirmed no reversers were deployed prematurely.

Routine maintenance, no known defects

The aircraft had been delivered in 2013 and last underwent a major check in May 2025. At the time of the crash, it had 41,868 flight hours and valid airworthiness documentation. There were no outstanding safety directives or critical mechanical issues.

Though the aircraft had a few non-critical Minimum Equipment List (MEL) items active—including one for cockpit surveillance—none were considered hazardous to the flight.

Interestingly, the “STAB POS XDCR” message, logged after the aircraft’s inbound flight from Delhi, had been cleared by an on-duty engineer before the Gatwick-bound departure.

 Emergency efforts and continuing investigation

Fire and rescue units from the airport and local authorities responded within minutes. However, the post-crash fire and fragmentation left little chance of survival.

The AAIB, in line with ICAO Annex 13 provisions, has enlisted international assistance. The U.S. NTSB, Boeing, GE, and the FAA are all involved. Investigators from the UK, Portugal, and Canada also joined since citizens from those countries were among the victims.

Components of both engines have been quarantined for detailed inspection. Fuel samples have been collected and tested. Analysis of recovered flight data is ongoing, with further metallurgical and forensic reviews underway.

While the forward flight recorder yielded usable audio and data, the aft recorder was too badly damaged. Still, the EAFR audio confirmed that the engines were relit mid-air but could not recover enough thrust to avoid impact.

No interim safety warning—yet

Despite emerging clues, investigators have issued no immediate safety bulletins or operational recommendations. However, the AAIB emphasized that the **fuel control switch failure** scenario is under close scrutiny.

Experts in aviation medicine, engineering, and flight systems are working to determine whether a mechanical fault, human error, or a combination of factors led to the shutdown and failed recovery.

The accident, which resulted in 260 fatalities, is one of the worst in recent Indian aviation history. As the investigation progresses, pressure may mount for Boeing and global regulators to reassess advisory-based compliance concerning critical cockpit mechanisms.