Air India Plane Crash Preliminary Report Might Rule Out Mechanical Failure: Is It Pilot Error?

The preliminary findings into the tragic crash of Air India Flight 171 are now in the hands of aviation authorities. Early evidence suggests that mechanical failure may not have caused the disaster, prompting investigators to examine whether pilot error may have played a role in the incident.

Air India Flight 171 Crash: What Happened?

Air India Flight 171, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, crashed shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad to London Heathrow, killing 241 of the 242 people on board and 19 on the ground. The airline said the flight carried 169 Indian nationals, 53 Britons, 7 Portuguese citizens, and 1 Canadian.

One passenger survived and is aiding the investigation. Video captured the deployment of the Ram Air Turbine (RAT), indicating a total loss of engine and electrical power.

Investigators, according to The Air Current, are focusing on possible mismanagement of the fuel control switches or thrust levers, which may have caused both engines to shut down. With no mechanical fault confirmed, these systems are now central to the inquiry.

Air India Preliminary Crash Report: What It Reveals So Far

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) of India submitted its preliminary report to the Ministry of Civil Aviation at the end of June, in line with the 30-day deadline set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). A public release of the report is expected soon.

Initial findings indicate that the aircraft's engines and systems were not affected by any confirmed mechanical failure before the crash. Investigators are now focused on analysing the operation of the thrust levers and fuel control switches to determine what may have triggered the engine shutdown.

Flight data recorders and cockpit voice recorders were recovered and sent to Delhi for analysis. The information from these devices is expected to provide further clarity in the coming weeks.

Air India Flight 171: Investigators Probe Possible Pilot Error

With mechanical issues not yet confirmed, investigators are also examining human factors. This includes evaluating the flight crew's actions, particularly during the early phase of the flight when the power loss occurred.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is reviewing pilot training records, emergency procedure drills, and simulator performance. Investigators are also assessing cockpit voice data to determine whether communication between the flight crew contributed to the incident.

This line of inquiry remains open as authorities continue to assess all possible causes.

Air India Crash Hoax: Fake Report on Pilot Seat Malfunction Debunked

Following the crash, a falsified document circulated online claiming that a malfunctioning captain's seat contributed to the accident. The report included fabricated cockpit dialogue and was quickly shared across social media.

Aviation officials have confirmed that no such malfunction has been identified and that no verified cockpit transcript has been released. Authorities are urging the public to avoid spreading unverified claims as the investigation is still ongoing.

Boeing 787 Safety Checks After Air India Crash

As a precaution, Air India has temporarily grounded several of its Boeing 787 aircraft for detailed inspections. The airline is working closely with regulators to examine engine fuel control systems and emergency mechanisms on its widebody fleet.

The DGCA has also directed all Indian carriers to conduct mandatory simulator training, emergency drills, and operational readiness checks. International aviation authorities are monitoring developments closely and reviewing safety protocols where necessary.

What's Next in the Air India Crash Investigation?

The investigation into the crash of Air India Flight 171 is ongoing. With no mechanical faults confirmed in the preliminary report, investigators are expanding their focus to include operational and procedural factors.

The final report is expected later this year and will include a comprehensive analysis of the incident, along with official recommendations. These findings will inform future safety practices and oversight procedures across the aviation sector.