AI171 Crash: What Boeing Doesn’t Want You to Know

Unseen Faults? The AI171 Crash That’s Haunting Boeing

The AI171 crash wasn’t just a tragic accident—it’s becoming a global wake-up call. With whispers of Boeing’s role in a possible system fault that cut off fuel mid-air, aviation experts and everyday flyers alike are asking: Could this have been prevented? Behind the headlines are 260 lost lives and a terrifying mystery that’s now shaking the core of aircraft safety worldwide.

Fuel Cut Mid-Air? Inside the Shocking AI171 Crash Report That’s Raising Big Boeing Questions

260 lives were lost in seconds—and now, a chilling question hangs in the air: Did the plane shut itself down? The preliminary AI171 crash report suggests a sudden fuel cutoff mid-takeoff, with no action from the pilots. Families mourn while investigators dig deep, and all eyes are on Boeing, as the world demands answers to a tragedy that should never have happened.

A Routine Takeoff Turned Catastrophic in 90 Seconds

On the morning of June 12, passengers aboard Air India Flight AI171 from Ahmedabad likely thought it would be a regular journey. But just 90 seconds after takeoff, a nightmare unfolded in the skies.

The preliminary report released by India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has revealed startling details. The fuel supply to the aircraft’s engines was unexpectedly cut, leading to a sudden loss of thrust, and the plane plunged into a residential area, killing 260 people—including 229 passengers, 12 crew members, and 19 individuals on the ground.

“Why Did You Cut Off?” — The Last Words Before Tragedy

Flight data recovered from the aircraft’s Enhanced Airborne Flight Recorder (EAFR) has shocked aviation experts. It shows that fuel cutoff switches for both engines were inadvertently moved from RUN to CUTOFF—within just one second of each other.

The voice recorder captured the chilling exchange:

Pilot: “Why did you cut off?”
Co-pilot: “I did not.”

This brief moment sealed the fate of AI171. The engines lost power. The aircraft couldn’t sustain flight. A MAYDAY call was issued at 08:09 UTC, moments before the aircraft slammed into buildings just outside Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport.

Civil Aviation Expert: “This Was No Pilot Error”

Renowned civil aviation expert Sanat Kaul has weighed in, and his conclusions are sobering.

“This doesn’t appear to be pilot error. The report clearly indicates a technical fault—possibly manufacturing-related. The jet fuel switches turned off automatically. Neither the commander nor the co-pilot did it.”

Kaul also warned against brushing this off as an isolated incident. He drew parallels with previous Boeing crashes, particularly the 737 MAX disasters, where system changes were made without properly informing or training pilots.

Boeing Under Fire: History Repeats Itself?

This crash involved a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, an aircraft with a generally solid reputation. But the AAIB’s preliminary findings could reignite global scrutiny of Boeing’s safety practices.

“This wouldn’t be the first time. Boeing has a history,” Kaul pointed out. “Whistleblowers have long alleged that the company tries to cut corners on safety and manufacturing to save money.”

The implication? If Boeing failed to disclose or address a latent fault that could lead to uncommanded fuel shutoff—again—it might signal systemic negligence.

What the Data Tells Us: Seconds That Changed Everything

Here’s a breakdown of the timeline based on the crash report:

1. Takeoff initiated: Normal procedure from Runway 23.
2. At 300 ft altitude: One engine loses power.
3. Within 1 second: The other engine’s fuel supply is also cut.
4. Speed drops from 180 knots as thrust fails.
5. RAT (Ram Air Turbine) deploys automatically due to complete engine loss.
6. Pilots scramble to restart engines: Engine 1 briefly shows signs of recovery.
7. Engine 2 fails to stabilize.
8. Mayday issued.
9. Impact occurs near BJ Medical College hostel, damaging 5 buildings.

Despite attempts to recover, the plane descended too rapidly and struck densely populated structures. The Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) also failed to activate, further complicating rescue efforts.

Aircraft History: No Red Flags Before the Flight

The aircraft, registered VT-ANB, had no known technical defects before takeoff:

1. Delivered in 2013.
2. Recently passed routine maintenance checks.
3. Fuel quality was verified to be within standard.
4. All Airworthiness Directives (ADs) were reportedly complied with.
5. Both pilots were well-rested, medically cleared, and had combined flying experience of nearly 19,000 hours.

So what went wrong?

A Hidden Software Glitch or Electrical Fault?

The most disturbing possibility: a software or electrical malfunction that caused the fuel cutoff switches to trigger automatically.

Aviation experts point to potential failures in electronic engine control systems, where a minor fault could simulate a pilot’s manual input.

This theory gains traction given that both switches flipped within one second—highly unlikely through accidental manual operation.

The Bigger Question: Is This a Systemic Issue?

The tragedy has prompted renewed calls for:

1. Global inspections of Boeing 787 series systems.
2. Transparent audits of fuel cutoff mechanisms.
3. Reforms in pilot training related to emergency engine restart procedures.
4. Reexamination of Boeing’s manufacturing accountability.

“The world must pay attention,” Kaul stated. “If a known fault exists in modern aircraft, it should never be allowed to go unaddressed—especially when it costs hundreds of lives.”

Why This Matters to Every Flyer

You don’t have to be an aviation geek to understand what’s at stake here.

When a plane goes down without human error, in clear weather, during a standard takeoff, it shakes the foundation of public trust in aviation safety. And when that plane is from one of the world’s largest manufacturers, the implications are even more serious.

Final Thoughts: More Than a Crash, A Wake-Up Call

The AI171 crash is no longer just a tragic story—it’s a warning sign. A sign that modern aviation, while statistically safe, may still have hidden dangers, especially when profit outpaces safety.

Until the final report is released, families mourn and questions remain.

But one thing is clear: If aircraft systems can turn themselves off mid-air, no pilot, no matter how skilled, can stop disaster alone.

What Happens Next?

As investigations continue, you can expect:

1. Increased international oversight on aircraft system safety.
2. Potential lawsuits against Boeing.
3. Policy changes from DGCA and international regulators.
4. Heightened public scrutiny of aircraft safety tech.

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