Air India Flight 171 Disaster: Fresh Controversies, Government Pushback & Technical Alarms

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Introduction — A Tragedy That Shook the Nation

On June 12, 2025, the world watched in disbelief as Air India Flight 171 crashed moments after takeoff from Ahmedabad. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner carried 242 passengers and crew, but only one person survived. Nineteen lives were also lost on the ground, marking it as one of India’s darkest aviation disasters. (Source: Wikipedia)

Months later, the tragedy continues to dominate headlines. Between government denials, mechanical concerns, and new mid-air incidents, questions about aviation safety and accountability remain unresolved. This article explores the recent controversies and the implications for the future of Indian aviation.

1. Preliminary Findings: What Investigators Revealed

1.1 Fuel Control Switch Mystery

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) revealed that both engine fuel control switches on the Dreamliner suddenly moved from “RUN” to “CUTOFF” seconds after takeoff. This immediately cut power to both engines, leading to total thrust loss. (Reuters Report)

Investigators remain unsure whether the movement resulted from human action, a technical malfunction, or a system glitch. According to the cockpit transcript, one pilot questioned the other, saying, “Why did you cut off the fuel?” to which the co-pilot reportedly denied doing so.

1.2 Evidence from Video and Flight Data

CCTV footage shows the aircraft climbing briefly before descending without any visible engine fire. The landing gear remained deployed, an unusual detail for a takeoff sequence. The aircraft struck trees, a building, and ultimately disintegrated across several city blocks. (Reuters Graphics)

These findings point to a rapid, unrecoverable power failure, leaving the pilots almost no time to react.

2. Recent Developments and Controversies

2.1 Midair RAT Deployment Raises New Alarms

In October 2025, another Air India Boeing 787 experienced an uncommanded deployment of its Ram Air Turbine (RAT) while approaching Birmingham, UK. This device provides emergency power during electrical or engine failure, yet no such failure was reported. (AP News)

The Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP) demanded a complete inspection of all Dreamliner jets in the country. Consequently, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) asked Boeing for a full technical briefing and inspection results. (Reuters)

2.2 Government Denial of Manipulation Claims

The father of the deceased pilot, Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, accused the authorities of shielding Boeing from accountability. He alleged selective information leaks designed to portray the pilots as negligent.

In response, India’s Civil Aviation Minister, Ram Mohan Naidu, strongly denied any manipulation. He emphasized that the investigation followed international standards and would remain fully transparent. However, the Supreme Court of India has demanded a detailed response to petitions for an independent probe. (Reuters)

2.3 Boeing’s Legal Troubles Grow

Victims’ families have now filed lawsuits in the United States against Boeing and Honeywell, claiming negligence and design flaws in the Dreamliner’s systems. TheDiplomat.com reports that the legal tangle could expand globally, especially if fault is traced to hardware or software components.

3. Ongoing Investigation and Future Outlook

According to the government, India’s newly established black box decoding lab in New Delhi will handle flight recorder data. The final AAIB report is expected by mid-2026. Meanwhile, fleet-wide checks continue as engineers test electronic systems and control locks for vulnerabilities.

Despite public skepticism, officials insist that transparency remains the top priority. Many industry experts, however, warn that a lack of independent oversight could harm long-term confidence in India’s aviation system.

4. Key Issues: Trust, Transparency, and Accountability

4.1 Pilot Error vs. Systemic Failure

The biggest question remains unanswered: Did human error cause this tragedy, or did technology fail the pilots? With both fuel switches moved almost simultaneously, many experts lean toward a mechanical or electronic fault.

4.2 Public Confidence and Legal Oversight

Families of the victims continue to demand complete transparency. Civil groups have called for an independent review board to oversee future investigations. The demand grows stronger with every new technical revelation.

4.3 Lessons for Boeing and Global Safety

The RAT incident, combined with unresolved fuel switch questions, highlights deeper concerns about Dreamliner reliability. Aviation experts argue that redundant safety systems must be improved, ensuring that critical functions cannot fail simultaneously.

5. Timeline of Major Events

• June 12, 2025: Flight 171 crashes after takeoff from Ahmedabad.
• July 2025: AAIB releases preliminary report; fuel control switch issue revealed.
• August 2025: DGCA orders nationwide inspections of Boeing 787 aircraft.
• October 2025: RAT deployment incident renews safety concerns.
• October 2025: Civil Aviation Minister denies manipulation claims; families seek justice.
• Mid-2026: Final investigation report expected.

6. Moving Forward — What Needs to Change

For India to restore public confidence in air travel, transparency must be non-negotiable. Independent audits, improved pilot training, and better engineering oversight can strengthen safety standards.

Furthermore, the aviation sector should adopt stronger redundancy protocols to ensure that no single system failure can lead to a catastrophic outcome. This approach is vital not only for Air India but for every global airline.

7. Conclusion — The Search for Truth Continues

The Air India Flight 171 tragedy remains an open wound for the nation and the aviation world. While investigators continue their work, recurring system anomalies and conflicting statements fuel growing doubt. For true healing, the truth must emerge — fully and fearlessly.

DocuNews Central will continue tracking every development, ensuring that accountability is never compromised.

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