The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has released its preliminary findings into the crash of Air India flight AI 171, a Boeing 787-8 aircraft that crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad on June 12 en route to London Gatwick. The incident claimed 260 lives, including almost everyone onboard, after the plane collided with a medical college hostel seconds after takeoff. The report does not recommend any immediate action against the aircraft or engine manufacturers.
Key findings from the AAIB preliminary report:
Key findings from the AAIB preliminary report:
- The aircraft had 54,200 kg of fuel onboard; take-off weight of 2,13,401 kg was within permissible limits.
- The plane lifted off at 13:08:39 IST; engine fuel control switches were turned off with a 1-second gap, then turned back on.
- At 13:09:05 IST, a pilot transmitted: “Mayday, mayday, mayday.” No response was received by ATC, which then saw the aircraft crash.
- Wreckage was documented using drones and relocated to a secure area near the airport.
- Both engines were recovered and placed in quarantine inside a hangar.
- Fuel samples taken from the bowsers and tanks tested satisfactory at DGCA’s lab.
