The investigation into the Air India Flight 171 crash has revealed shocking findings, indicating that one of the pilots deliberately cut the fuel switches before takeoff. According to a report by the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera, Indian aviation investigators are preparing to announce that this action was an "almost certainly intentional act," casting a grim shadow over the tragedy that claimed the lives of 241 passengers and 19 individuals on the ground.
The crash occurred shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025, when the Boeing 787 Dreamliner lost thrust and plummeted onto a nearby medical students' hostel just 32 seconds into the flight. While the preliminary investigation initially found no technical defects, cleaned-up cockpit voice recordings have reportedly identified which pilot was responsible for the fatal action.
The main suspect in the incident has emerged to be Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, who tragically died in the crash. While the final report may not explicitly assign blame, the findings suggest that the manipulation of the fuel switches led to catastrophic engine failure, thus ruling out mechanical error.
Witnesses reported that cockpit audio included exchanges between the pilots regarding the unexpected fuel cut-off. It was noted that one pilot expressed confusion about the other's actions, reinforcing the notion that this was not a simple mistake.
Despite the gravity of these findings, the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) of India has refrained from conclusively blaming the pilots, prompting criticism from aviation experts and pilot associations. Sabharwal's family has also spoken out against what they perceive as an effort to ascribe fault without considering broader operational and mechanical factors.
The final report is expected to encourage advancements in pilot mental health monitoring and continuous evaluation standards, as the alleged mental health issues of the pilots, particularly Sabharwal’s reported depression, may have contributed to the incident.
While the investigation continues, these revelations have sparked debate among aviation professionals about the need for rigorous safety measures and transparent communication regarding pilot assessments and aircraft handling protocols. The future report could shape aviation policy, enhance safety regulations, and ensure accountability in the wake of such tragedies.