In a recent update on the Ahmedabad plane crash, the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has confirmed that the fuel control switches were found in the OFF position before the engines failed on Air India flight 171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner. The incident, which left passengers shaken but safe, has reignited discussions about aviation safety protocols, especially on long-haul, wide-body aircraft.
Despite the alarming detail, the AAIB has clarified that no advisory or safety directive has been issued yet for other Boeing 787-8 operators. The current findings do not indicate a systemic fault in the aircraft model itself.
What Went Wrong on Air India Flight 171?
The flight, operating out of Ahmedabad, experienced a sudden engine failure shortly after takeoff. Initial investigations suggest that a manual fuel cut-off may have played a role, which directly impacted engine performance. While the aircraft returned safely and all passengers were unharmed, the event triggered a full-scale aviation safety investigation, led by India’s AAIB in coordination with Air India and Boeing.
No Broad Safety Action Yet—But Scrutiny Continues
According to the AAIB, the switch-off may have resulted from human error, and there is currently no indication of mechanical malfunction across other Boeing 787-8 aircraft. As a result, the agency is not issuing an immediate advisory for global operators of the Dreamliner.
However, experts are calling for greater review of:
- In-cockpit switch protocols
- Pilot training and simulation under emergency conditions
- Maintenance logs and real-time engine monitoring systems
The final report will determine if further action or global notification is needed.
Why This Incident Matters
With India’s aviation industry growing rapidly and more wide-body aircraft like the Boeing 787-8 entering service, the focus on aviation safety investigation is higher than ever. Incidents like the Air India 171 crash serve as critical reminders of the need for continuous evaluation, pilot readiness, and technical reliability,especially when operating high-capacity aircraft in busy sectors.
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