A year after the Air India Flight 171 disaster in Ahmedabad, investigators still cannot confirm what caused the aircraft to fall shortly after takeoff. The Boeing 787 crashed into a medical college area and killed 260 people. Authorities continue to review evidence, but no final conclusion has been released.
Early Findings Point to Sudden Engine Fuel Loss
A preliminary report from last year showed a critical issue seconds after takeoff. The aircraft suddenly lost power in both engines. This happened when fuel control switches moved to a position that stopped fuel supply.
The aircraft then lost thrust during its initial climb, which led to a rapid descent and crash.
Cockpit Conversation Raises More Questions
Cockpit recordings added more confusion to the investigation. One pilot asked the other why the switches were changed. The second pilot responded that he did not make the change.
Investigators have not confirmed who said what. Experts believe this exchange may suggest either confusion or a possible deliberate action, but no conclusion has been reached.
Why Takeoff Accidents Are So Rare but Serious
Aircraft takeoff is one of the most sensitive phases of flight. While accidents can happen during this stage, they are not common. Industry data shows that a small portion of major jet crashes occur during takeoff and early climb compared to other phases of flight.
The unusual timing of this crash has made the investigation more complex.
Why the Final Report Is Taking Time
Investigators are still analyzing multiple areas, including flight data, engine behavior, maintenance history, and human factors. Experts say this type of investigation can take time, especially when several possible causes exist.
Aviation specialists note that the key issue is understanding the exact moment when engine power was lost and what triggered the fuel cutoff. Without clarity on these points, conclusions remain uncertain.
Some experts also say that if a single clear cause had already been confirmed, the final report would likely have been released by now.
