The investigation into the crash of Air India Flight AI-171 in Ahmedabad may conclude that the engines were shut down deliberately, according to an Italian newspaper citing sources linked to the probe.
The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crashed on June 12, 2025, shortly after taking off from Ahmedabad for London. The accident killed 260 people, 241 passengers and crew members on board and 19 people on the ground. Only one passenger survived.
Earlier findings from India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) revealed that both engine fuel control switches were moved from the “RUN” position to “CUTOFF” just seconds after take-off. This stopped fuel supply to the engines and caused a sudden loss of power.
Cockpit voice recordings reportedly captured one pilot asking the other why the engines were shut down. The other pilot responded that he had not done so.
Now, Italian daily Corriere della Sera has claimed that investigators believe the action was “almost certainly intentional” rather than a technical failure. The report says clearer cockpit audio helped investigators determine which pilot operated the switches.
The focus is reportedly on the captain, who was seated on the left side of the cockpit. Data suggests that the left engine fuel supply was cut first, followed by the right. However, officials in India have not officially confirmed these claims.
The captain’s family has strongly denied any suggestion of intentional wrongdoing. Pilot associations have also urged caution, saying conclusions should only be drawn after the final report is released.
The final investigation report is expected soon. It may also include recommendations related to pilot mental health checks and cockpit safety procedures.
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