New Delhi – The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has released its comprehensive 15-page Air India Crash Preliminary Report detailing the catastrophic sequence of events that led to the tragic Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner accident in Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025. The Air India Crash Preliminary Report provides the first official insight into what transpired during the final moments of the flight that claimed 259 lives.
The devastating incident occurred when the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crashed into the hostel premises of BJ Medical College on the outskirts of Ahmedabad airport. The Air India Crash Preliminary Report confirms that 240 of the 241 passengers onboard perished in the crash, with only one passenger surviving the impact. Additionally, 19 people on the ground lost their lives in this tragic aviation disaster.
Critical Engine Failures Documented
The Air India Crash Preliminary Report reveals alarming details about the aircraft’s engine performance during the incident. According to data from the Engine and Aircraft Flight Recorder (EAFR), both engines experienced severe operational failures that ultimately contributed to the crash. The report documents that both engines’ N2 values fell below minimum idle speed, indicating a catastrophic loss of engine power.
Engine 1 showed initial signs of recovery during the crisis, with the Air India Crash Preliminary Report noting that the engine’s core deceleration halted, reversed, and began progressing toward recovery after the initial failure. However, Engine 2 presented a more dire situation, as it relit but could not arrest the core speed deceleration despite repeated fuel reintroduction attempts by the flight crew.
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Fuel Cutoff Switch Anomaly
One of the most significant findings in the Air India Crash Preliminary Report centers around the mysterious activation of fuel cutoff switches during the flight. At precisely 13:38:42 IST (08:08:42 UTC), when the aircraft reached 180 knots Indicated Airspeed (IAS), both engines’ fuel cutoff switches moved from the ‘Run’ position to ‘Cutoff’ without apparent crew input.
The Air India Crash Preliminary Report documents that within seconds of this occurrence, the fuel switches for both engines were returned to the ‘Run’ position. This rapid sequence of events triggered relight attempts, as evidenced by rising Exhaust Gas Temperatures (EGTs) in both engines following the fuel switch restoration.
Cockpit Voice Recordings Reveal Confusion
Perhaps one of the most telling aspects of the Air India Crash Preliminary Report comes from the cockpit voice recordings, which capture the confusion and uncertainty experienced by the flight crew during the crisis. The recordings reveal a critical exchange between the pilots, with one asking, “Why did you cut off?” and the other responding, “I did not do so.”
This dialogue, documented in the Air India Crash Preliminary Report, suggests possible miscommunication or confusion about who activated the fuel cutoff switches. The exchange indicates that neither pilot intentionally shut off the fuel supply, raising questions about potential system malfunctions or inadvertent activation of critical flight controls.
Data Recovery Challenges
The Air India Crash Preliminary Report acknowledges significant challenges in data recovery that may impact the investigation’s comprehensiveness. The aft Engine and Aircraft Flight Recorder (EAFR) sustained substantial damage during the crash and could not be downloaded using conventional methods. This limitation means that some crucial flight data may be permanently lost or require specialized recovery techniques.
Despite these challenges, the Air India Crash Preliminary Report confirms that investigators were able to extract valuable information from other recording devices. The available data shows rising EGT values in both engines following the fuel switchback to ‘Run’, indicating that combustion was occurring during the relight attempts, though ultimately unsuccessful in preventing the crash.
Investigation Methodology and Scope
The Air India Crash Preliminary Report represents the initial phase of what will be a comprehensive investigation into the causes of this tragic accident. The AAIB investigation team has indicated that they will review additional evidence being sought from various stakeholders, including aircraft manufacturers, engine suppliers, and maintenance organizations.
The report examines the sequence of events and engine behavior leading up to the incident, focusing particularly on the Boeing 787-8 aircraft’s performance characteristics and the GE GEnx-1B engines’ operational parameters. The Air India Crash Preliminary Report serves as a foundation for the more detailed analysis that will follow in subsequent phases of the investigation.
Safety Recommendations Status
At this preliminary stage, the Air India Crash Preliminary Report notes that no safety recommendations have been issued for Boeing 787-8 aircraft operators or GE GEnx-1B engine manufacturers. The AAIB typically reserves safety recommendations until more comprehensive analysis can be completed and specific risk factors are identified.
However, the findings in the Air India Crash Preliminary Report will likely influence future safety considerations for similar aircraft types. The unusual fuel cutoff switch activation and subsequent engine failures may prompt manufacturers to review system designs and operational procedures to prevent similar incidents.
Technical Analysis of Engine Performance
The technical findings in the Air India Crash Preliminary Report reveal complex engine dynamics during the emergency situation. The report documents that attempted relight procedures were detected through fuel switch movements and corresponding EGT rises. However, the inability of Engine 2 to stabilize despite relight attempts suggests fundamental issues with the engine’s ability to maintain operational parameters.
The N2 rotor speed data, as documented in the Air India Crash Preliminary Report, provides crucial insights into the engines’ core performance during the crisis. The fact that both engines fell below minimum idle speed indicates a loss of self-sustaining combustion, which is critical for maintaining flight operations.
Future Investigation Phases
The Air India Crash Preliminary Report establishes the groundwork for more extensive investigation phases that will examine human factors, mechanical systems, maintenance records, and operational procedures. The AAIB has indicated that additional evidence from stakeholders will be incorporated into future analysis phases.
The investigation will likely focus on determining whether the fuel cutoff switch activation was due to crew error, mechanical failure, or system malfunction. The findings in the Air India Crash Preliminary Report suggest that this aspect will be crucial to understanding the accident’s root cause.
Implications for Aviation Safety
The Air India Crash Preliminary Report highlights the complex nature of modern aviation accidents and the importance of comprehensive investigation procedures. The preliminary findings will contribute to the broader understanding of Boeing 787-8 operations and may influence training procedures, maintenance protocols, and emergency response procedures for similar aircraft.
As the investigation continues, the aviation industry will closely monitor developments arising from this preliminary report, particularly regarding fuel system integrity and engine failure procedures. The tragic loss of life documented in the Air India Crash Preliminary Report underscores the critical importance of thorough accident investigation and the implementation of lessons learned to prevent future occurrences.
Concluding Statement
The Air India Crash Preliminary Report provides crucial initial insights into one of the most devastating aviation accidents in recent history. While many questions remain unanswered, the report establishes a foundation for understanding the complex sequence of events that led to this tragedy, setting the stage for more comprehensive analysis in subsequent investigation phases.
