Air India crash report: Families of victims of the tragic Air India Flight AI-171 crash are demanding greater transparency and accountability after a preliminary investigation by India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) found that both of the aircraft’s fuel switches were inexplicably moved to the “cut-off” position shortly after takeoff, halting fuel supply to the engines. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner, en route from Ahmedabad to London, crashed into a medical college on June 12, killing all 241 people onboard and 19 on the ground.
The cockpit voice recorder captured a chilling exchange between pilots: one asking why the fuel was cut off, and the other replying he didn’t do it. The mechanical anomaly has left families more anxious than ever for answers.
Families want truth, not vagueness
Ishan Baxi, a cousin of two young sisters who died in the crash, told The Guardian, “We’re still hoping for a more transparent and honest investigation that doesn’t shy away from mechanical flaws or protocol lapses. I just hope the final report brings full clarity on what exactly failed and who’s accountable. It shouldn’t hide behind vague terms.” His sentiment is shared by many, especially relatives of 52 British nationals, who perished in the crash, making it one of the UK’s deadliest aviation incidents in recent history.
The family of Akeel Nanabawa, his wife Hannaa Vorajee, and their daughter Sara, also issued a statement calling the preliminary report only “a first stepping stone.” They urged investigators to remain committed to “honesty, transparency, and uncovering the full truth,” saying answers were essential for their healing process.
The AAIB report also ruled out pilot intoxication, bird strikes, or fuel contamination as contributing factors. Investigators have recovered critical components for further analysis, and both the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the UK government are involved.
Guardian quoted UK Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander saying, “We stand ready to assist the Indian authorities if they require that from us.” She added she has “confidence” in the ongoing investigation, but the victims’ families insist that only complete transparency and accountability can bring them peace.
Earlier, several families accused Air India of pressuring them during the compensation process. Allegations surfaced that relatives were told they must complete complex legal forms including disclosing financial dependency or risk receiving no compensation at all.
However, Air India has firmly denied these claims, calling them “unsubstantiated and inaccurate.” The airline insisted it was only collecting necessary information to ensure rightful distribution of interim compensation. “We cannot process payments in an information vacuum,” an official statement read.
However, legal experts disagree. James Neenan, a UK-based aviation lawyer with experience in MH17 and MH370 cases, said families were “put in crowded, overheated rooms” and coerced into filling out forms under severe emotional stress. “They were made to believe these forms were mandatory for initial compensation. That’s false, and it’s unethical,” he said.
What does the AAIB report say?
The AAIB preliminary report on the Air India Flight AI171 crash states that both engine fuel control switches were inexplicably moved from “RUN” to “CUTOFF” within one second of each other just seconds after takeoff from Ahmedabad on 12 June 2025, causing a dual engine shutdown and loss of thrust. Cockpit voice recordings captured one pilot asking the other why the fuel had been cut off, with the other denying responsibility; the report does not specify which pilot made which statement. Despite attempts to restart the engines, only one showed partial recovery before the aircraft crashed into the BJ Medical College hostel, killing 241 onboard and 19 on the ground.
The report rules out mechanical failure, bird strike, fuel contamination, and configuration issues, but does not assign blame or explain how the switches were moved. The AAIB calls for further forensic analysis and voice identification, with the investigation ongoing and no definitive cause declared yet.