Unanswered Questions Loom After Air India Flight 171 Crash

Wed Jul 16 2025 04:22:46 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)
Unanswered Questions Loom After Air India Flight 171 Crash

Investigation report released, but lacks clarity on critical details surrounding tragic aviation incident.


The preliminary report on the Air India Flight 171 crash raises more questions than answers, with speculation about pilot actions and a demand for more transparency from investigators.


The recent crash of Air India Flight 171 has captivated attention and instigated both debates and concerns within the aviation community. Just under a month ago, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner tragically crashed into a building shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad, resulting in the loss of 241 lives on board, along with 19 casualties on the ground. The preliminary investigation report, released by India's Air Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), has shed light on certain aspects of the incident but has also sparked controversy and speculation regarding the potential involvement of the pilots.

According to the AAIB report, the situation unfolded with two fuel cut-off switches being switched from the "run" to the "cut-off" position shortly after takeoff, cutting fuel supply to the engines and leading to a loss of thrust. Notably, although flight recorder data indicates that the engines were restarted, the timing proved insufficient to avert the ensuing crash.

The report raises critical questions concerning the actions of the pilots involved. Notably, it mentions a conversation in which one pilot queried, “why did you cut off?” only to receive a denial from the other pilot, claiming he had not taken such action. However, the lack of a direct transcript or identification of either pilot prompts serious questions about the overall accountability and timing of this communication.

While preliminary reports are designed to summarize key findings without reaching definitive conclusions, the information so far has incited various narratives. Some media outlets have controversially speculated that the crash may have been the result of intentional pilot actions, leading to an outraged response from the Indian Commercial Pilots' Association. They have condemned such suggestions as irresponsible and harmful to the families of the victims.

Following the release of the AAIB report, industry professionals have expressed concern over the selective nature of the disclosed information. Comments from pilots and analysts suggest that substantial details remain concealed, particularly regarding the cockpit activity during the critical moments leading to the accident. Without a comprehensive clarification of dialogues reported, significant uncertainty lingers.

Analysts have also pointed out that the report refers to a 2018 safety bulletin issued by the US Federal Aviation Administration, which indicated potential issues with fuel cut-off switches on similar Boeing models. Despite a recommendation for operators to assess these systems, the absence of any inspections by Air India has raised further conjecture about the possibility of accidental switch activation contributing to the crash.

Former accident investigator Tim Atkinson noted his disappointment with the report's vagueness. Although it provides fragments of information, it has left many important questions unaddressed. In the meantime, India's Directorate General of Civil Aviation has mandated that airlines conduct inspections related to the FAA's earlier bulletin by July, although the FAA maintains that the issue does not compromise safety.

As investigations into the Air India Flight 171 crash continue, the quest for comprehensive answers is expected to be prolonged. International guidelines suggest a final report should be available within a year, but historical precedents indicate the process may take much longer, as families and the aviation community alike await definitive explanations and accountability.

MORE ON THEME

Wed, 16 Jul 2025 00:24:59 GMT

Trump Initiates Investigation into Brazil’s Trade Practices Amid Tensions

Wed, 16 Jul 2025 00:24:59 GMT
Tue, 15 Jul 2025 21:30:34 GMT

Waltz Faces Tough Questions at UN Ambassador Confirmation Hearing

Tue, 15 Jul 2025 21:30:34 GMT
Tue, 15 Jul 2025 12:13:47 GMT

Fauja Singh, World’s Oldest Marathon Runner, Dies at 114 in Tragic Hit-and-Run

Tue, 15 Jul 2025 12:13:47 GMT
Tue, 15 Jul 2025 10:11:03 GMT

Air India Crash Sparks Global Inspections of Boeing Fuel Switches

Tue, 15 Jul 2025 10:11:03 GMT
Tue, 15 Jul 2025 06:58:08 GMT

Air India Flight 171 Crash Investigation Raises More Questions Than Answers

Tue, 15 Jul 2025 06:58:08 GMT
Tue, 15 Jul 2025 04:12:39 GMT

India Mandates Inspections of Fuel Control Switches on Boeing Aircraft Amid Crash Investigation

Tue, 15 Jul 2025 04:12:39 GMT
Mon, 14 Jul 2025 16:39:50 GMT

India Mandates Fuel Control Inspections on Boeing Jets Following Air India Crash

Mon, 14 Jul 2025 16:39:50 GMT
Mon, 14 Jul 2025 14:21:37 GMT

BBC Cuts Ties with MasterChef Host Gregg Wallace Amidst Misconduct Allegations

Mon, 14 Jul 2025 14:21:37 GMT
Mon, 14 Jul 2025 10:24:51 GMT

Indian Pilots' Association Defends Air India Crash Crew Amid Speculation

Mon, 14 Jul 2025 10:24:51 GMT
Mon, 14 Jul 2025 08:27:52 GMT

Boeing Fuel Switches Cleared of Safety Concerns Amid Air India Crash Investigation

Mon, 14 Jul 2025 08:27:52 GMT
Mon, 14 Jul 2025 07:22:00 GMT

Indian Pilots' Association Defends Air India Crash Crew Amid Speculation

Mon, 14 Jul 2025 07:22:00 GMT
Sun, 13 Jul 2025 21:44:15 GMT

Two Women Killed in Church Shooting in Kentucky

Sun, 13 Jul 2025 21:44:15 GMT
Sun, 13 Jul 2025 15:44:03 GMT

Trump Backs Attorney General Bondi Amid Epstein Controversy

Sun, 13 Jul 2025 15:44:03 GMT
Sun, 13 Jul 2025 11:55:24 GMT

**Daring Prison Escape: Inmate Conceals Himself in Fellow Prisoner's Bag**

Sun, 13 Jul 2025 11:55:24 GMT
Sun, 13 Jul 2025 07:36:55 GMT

#Grieving Families Seek Answers After Air India Crash

Sun, 13 Jul 2025 07:36:55 GMT
Sat, 12 Jul 2025 15:05:31 GMT

Air India Flight Crash: Investigations and Casualties

Sat, 12 Jul 2025 15:05:31 GMT
Sat, 12 Jul 2025 10:53:35 GMT

Families Demand Clarity on Air India Crash After Preliminary Report

Sat, 12 Jul 2025 10:53:35 GMT
Sat, 12 Jul 2025 09:46:12 GMT

Two Palestinian Lives Lost in West Bank Violence Amid Ongoing Tensions

Sat, 12 Jul 2025 09:46:12 GMT
Sat, 12 Jul 2025 05:31:06 GMT

Cockpit Audio Raises New Questions in Air India Flight 171 Crash Investigation

Sat, 12 Jul 2025 05:31:06 GMT
Sat, 12 Jul 2025 03:42:04 GMT

### Concerns Rise Over Air India Flight 171 Crash As Cockpit Audio Sparks New Investigation

Sat, 12 Jul 2025 03:42:04 GMT

Follow us

© 2024 SwissX REDD UK ltd. All Rights Reserved.