Air India Boeing 787 Crash: AAIB Report Finds Both Engines Shut Down Mid-Air

Air India Boeing 787 Crash: AAIB Report Finds Both Engines Shut Down Mid-Air

Air India Boeing 787 Crash: AAIB Report Reveals Both Engines Shut Down Seconds After Takeoff

New Delhi, July 12, 2025 – The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) of India has released a preliminary report on the tragic Air India Boeing 787 crash that occurred on June 12, revealing that both engines of the aircraft shut down mid-air within seconds of takeoff.

The findings mark a grim chapter in Indian aviation history and point to a sudden and simultaneous failure of the aircraft’s core power systems.

Timeline of the Engine Shutdown

According to the AAIB report, the aircraft had reached a maximum recorded airspeed of 180 knots IAS at 08:08:42 UTC. Just moments later, the fuel cutoff switches for both engines—Engine 1 and Engine 2—transitioned from RUN to CUTOFF, with a gap of just one second.

This action effectively cut off the fuel supply to the engines, causing the Engine N1 and N2 readings to plummet from their takeoff power values. The shutdown was abrupt and simultaneous, leaving the aircraft powerless mid-air.

“The aircraft achieved the maximum recorded airspeed… and immediately thereafter, the Engine 1 and Engine 2 fuel cutoff switches transitioned from RUN to CUTOFF… with a time gap of 01 sec,” the report stated.

No Evidence of Sabotage Found

The AAIB clarified that no immediate evidence suggests sabotage. Investigators are still examining technical and human factors that could have contributed to the crash, but foul play has been ruled out for now.

While the exact cause of the engine shutdown is yet to be determined, the report lays the foundation for deeper forensic and technical analysis in the weeks to come.

Air India Responds to Preliminary Report

Following the report’s release, Air India, owned by the Tata Group, issued a public statement confirming their cooperation with the AAIB and all regulatory stakeholders.

“We acknowledge receipt of the preliminary report… Air India is working closely with stakeholders, including regulators. We continue to fully cooperate with the AAIB and other authorities as their investigation progresses,” the airline said.

Air India also posted a message on X (formerly Twitter):

“Air India stands in solidarity with the families and those affected by the AI171 accident. We continue to mourn the loss and are fully committed to providing support during this difficult time.”

One of India’s Worst Aviation Disasters

The June 12 crash of Flight AI171, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, is being regarded as one of the most devastating aviation accidents in recent Indian history. The aircraft had just taken off when it lost both engines mid-air and plummeted, leading to multiple casualties.

Though the final report is still months away, the initial findings have raised serious concerns about automated systems, crew response protocols, and aircraft maintenance procedures.

Next Steps in the Investigation

The AAIB will now conduct a deeper technical analysis, examining flight data recorders, cockpit voice recordings, and maintenance logs. Investigators are also expected to evaluate whether manual overrides or system malfunctions played a role in the engine shutdown.

The report underscores the need for stringent safety protocols in Indian civil aviation and calls for enhanced vigilance in aircraft maintenance and operations.