India’s AAIB Releases Preliminary Report on Air India Flight AI171 (B787-8) Accident
Initial findings published following June 12, 2025 accident in Ahmedabad
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) of India has published the Preliminary Report regarding the accident involving Air India’s B787-8 aircraft, bearing registration VT-ANB, which occurred at Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025.
The aircraft was scheduled to operate flight AI171 from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick with 230 passengers on board.
The preliminary report, released on July 12, 2025, provides initial findings, says AAIB, as the investigation continues:
“The aircraft achieved the maximum recorded airspeed of 180 Knots IAS at about 08:08:42 UTC and immediately thereafter, the Engine 1 and Engine 2 fuel cutoff switches transitioned from RUN to CUTOFF position one after another with a time gap of 01 sec.
“The Engine N1 and N2 began to decrease from their take-off values as the fuel supply to the engines was cut off. In the cockpit voice recording, one of the pilots is heard asking the other why did he cutoff.
“The other pilot responded that he did not do so. The CCTV footage obtained from the airport showed Ram Air Turbine (RAT) getting deployed during the initial climb immediately after lift-off.
“No significant bird activity is observed in the vicinity of the flight path. The aircraft started to lose altitude before crossing the airport perimeter wall.
The AAIB further outlined the progress of the investigation—confirming that “additional details are being gathered based on the initial leads.”
“At this stage of investigation, there are no recommended actions to B787-8 and/or GE GEnx-1B engine operators and manufacturers.”
“Investigation is continuing and the investigation team will review and examine additional evidence, records and information that is being sought from the stakeholders.”