Air India Flight AI‑171 Crash – Current Issues
On 12 June 2025 Air India flight AI‑171 crashed, killing 260 people. A year later the MoCA and the AAIB have released only a preliminary report in July 2025. The report contains technical clues that are being debated in media and among aviation experts.
Key Developments (Bullet Points)
- On 16 June 2025 the forward EAFR was recovered near Building F, allowing the AAIB to listen to the cockpit voice.
- The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) ordered X‑category commando protection for the AAIB chief on the same day, citing a perceived threat.
- Media narratives suggested a software‑driven fuel‑control failure, but the report shows the FCS was manually moved from ‘run’ to ‘cut‑off’.
- The RAT deployed at 08:08:42 UTC, five seconds before the engines were shut down.
- The CVR captured a brief exchange: one pilot asking why the other cut off the engine, the other denying it.
Important Facts
The sequence of events, as per the report, is:
- Aircraft reached 180 knots at 08:08:42 UTC.
- FCS for Engine 1 moved to cut‑off at 08:08:52 UTC, followed by Engine 2 at 08:08:56 UTC.
- RAT hydraulic pump supplied pressure at 08:08:47 UTC, indicating RAT deployment before engine shutdown.
- Both engines off caused the instrument panel to go blank and the rear EAFR to stop recording, making the forward EAFR data critical.
The report emphasizes that the FCS cannot change position due to software or power failure; it requires physical movement by a crew member.
Exam Relevance
Understanding this case helps aspirants in several ways:
- Policy & Governance: Highlights the role of DGCA and the challenges of transparency in accident investigations.
- Technology & Safety: Illustrates how flight‑data recorders, fuel‑control mechanisms, and emergency power systems function, linking to GS3 topics on aviation technology.
- International Cooperation: Mentions the NTSB as a benchmark for investigative standards, relevant for questions on global best practices.
Way Forward
For a robust aviation safety framework, the following steps are suggested:
- Publish a complete final report within a stipulated time to ensure accountability and public trust.
- Strengthen the independence of the AAIB and DGCA to reduce political interference.
- Adopt international best‑practice protocols for data sharing, similar to those of the AAIB (UK) and NTSB.
- Enhance training for pilots on emergency procedures, especially handling RAT deployment and manual FCS operation.
- Provide timely counselling and compensation to victims’ families to address their mental agony.
Only by addressing these issues can India improve its aviation safety record and restore confidence among travelers and international partners.