Air India AI 171 Crash: Fuel Switch Error Possible Cause? Here's What We Know

New Delhi: In a shocking revelation by the investigators probing the fatal crash of an Air India flight AI 171 (Boeing 787 Dreamliner), it has been found that the crash may have been caused by the aircraft's fuel control switches.

What Is This Fuel Switch Error?

It is being closely examined if the aircraft's fuel switches were moved, just moments before the plane lost thrust and slammed into the ground, a Reuters report said.

While citing three sources familiar with the case, the report added that a preliminary report is expected by Friday.

The focus of the investigation has narrowed to the position and movement of the engine fuel switches, based on data that has been recovered from the flight data and cockpit voice recorders, and simulations conducted by Boeing.

Air India Plane Crash Flight AI 171

The London-bound flight crashed shortly after taking off from Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025. Out of the 242 people onboard, only one was alive. Several people were also killed on the ground because of the crash.

The available data has still not confirmed whether the switches were improperly, inadvertently or deliberately activated.

Investigations have not been able to find any indications of mechanical failure and no bulletins have been issued to airlines operating the 787.

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) of India led the inquiry. While AAIB was initially reluctant to allow UN involvement, it later reversed its course by allowing an International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) specialist to join as an observer.

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