Sat Jul 12 08:59:48 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

A preliminary report on the Air India Flight 171 crash in India reveals the plane’s fuel control switches mysteriously switched to “cutoff” moments after takeoff, causing both engines to fail within seconds. The report doesn’t explain why the switches were moved and does not assign blame. Cockpit voice recordings suggest the pilots were unaware of the switch movement. The report also notes a previous FAA advisory regarding potential flaws in the fuel-control switch system but also shows that it was not considered mandatory, so no inspection had been made by Air India in response to the advisory. The crash resulted in numerous fatalities both onboard and on the ground. The investigation is ongoing, involving experts from multiple countries.

**News Article:**

**Air India Crash Investigation Reveals Mysterious Fuel Switch Failure**

**New Delhi, India** – A preliminary report into the fatal Air India Flight 171 crash on June 12th has revealed a startling discovery: the Boeing 787 Dreamliner’s fuel control switches inexplicably moved to the “cutoff” position moments after takeoff, causing a catastrophic engine failure.

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) report, released Saturday, indicates that both engines shut down within one second of each other, leading to an immediate loss of altitude. The flight, bound for London’s Gatwick Airport, crashed near the Ahmedabad airport, killing 229 of 230 passengers and crew members and 19 people on the ground, while injuring 67 people.

Crucially, the report does not determine the cause of the switch movement, leaving investigators baffled as to whether it was a mechanical malfunction, a deliberate act, or an accident.

Adding to the mystery, cockpit voice recordings captured the pilots’ confusion. “Why did you cut off?” one pilot is heard asking. The other pilot replied that he had not done so. While the pilots quickly reacted, attempting to restore power and deploying emergency systems, they were unable to prevent the crash.

Investigators noted a past FAA advisory, which was not considered mandatory by Air India, regarding potential flaws in the fuel-control switch system, including the disengagement of the locking feature.

The investigation is ongoing, with experts from Boeing, the United States, and the United Kingdom assisting the AAIB. As the inquiry continues, the report states there is currently no need for airlines or engine makers to take any action regarding the Boeing 787-8 planes or GE GEnx-1B engines.

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