Air India Flight 171 Crash: Fuel Cut-Off Switches Deliberately Moved After Takeoff
Air India Flight 171 Crash: Fuel Cut-Off Switches Deliberately Moved After Takeoff
A chilling preliminary report has emerged regarding Air India Flight 171, revealing that fuel cut-off switches were manually moved to the "CUTOFF" position one after the other, with only seconds between each action, immediately following takeoff. This discovery has sent shockwaves through the aviation community and raised serious questions about what exactly happened in those final moments.
The Disturbing Timeline of Events
According to the official preliminary report from the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), the Boeing 787-8 aircraft (registration VT-ANB) experienced a catastrophic sequence of events on June 12, 2025, shortly after departing from Ahmedabad. What makes this case particularly troubling is the deliberate nature of the fuel system shutdown.
The report indicates that the fuel cut-off switches weren't accidentally triggered or the result of mechanical failure. Instead, they were intentionally moved to the CUTOFF position in sequence, with a gap of mere seconds between each switch activation. This level of precision suggests deliberate human action rather than equipment malfunction.
Aviation Experts Sound the Alarm
The aviation community's response has been swift and concerned. As one Reddit user, u/not_a_profession, who brought this report to public attention, noted in their analysis of the official documentation, this type of systematic fuel cutoff is unprecedented in commercial aviation accidents.
The investigation has already prompted discussions about pilot psychology and mental health screening. "Pilot psychologists have been brought in for several investigations," noted one commenter. "There have been, over the decades, multiple occasions of human error crashes that simply shouldn't have been allowed to happen."
But here's the thing that really gets me - and many others in the aviation community - there's a cruel irony at play. As another observer pointed out: "If you are a pilot and go to therapy or tell anyone you have some mental problems, you are no longer a pilot. What could go wrong?"
The Black Box Evidence
The preliminary findings have also reignited calls for enhanced cockpit monitoring systems. "At this point the black box should do video recording of multiple angles of the cockpit," suggested one aviation enthusiast, reflecting a growing sentiment that audio recordings alone may not be sufficient for modern accident investigations.
The emotional toll on investigators cannot be understated either. As one person noted, "I can't imagine how harrowing it is to have the job of listening back to the black box tapes." The psychological impact of analyzing such deliberate actions must be immense for those tasked with understanding what went wrong.
Visual Evidence from the Wreckage
The preliminary report includes stark visual evidence showing the damaged thrust lever quadrant and fuel control systems. The contrast between the severely damaged, fire-scorched controls and intact reference images tells a sobering story of the aircraft's final moments.
The damaged components show extensive fire damage and impact trauma, with the fuel control switches bearing the scars of the crash. These images serve as powerful reminders of the human cost of aviation accidents and the critical importance of understanding exactly what happened.
Industry-Wide Safety Implications
This incident raises broader questions about aviation safety protocols and pilot mental health support systems. The fact that seeking mental health treatment can end a pilot's career creates a dangerous catch-22 situation where those who need help most may be least likely to seek it.
The systematic nature of the fuel cutoff suggests this wasn't a split-second decision or momentary lapse in judgment. The deliberate, sequential activation of multiple fuel cut-off switches points to a calculated action that demands serious examination of current screening and support systems.
What This Means for Aviation Safety
Moving forward, this case will likely influence several areas of aviation safety:
Enhanced cockpit monitoring - Calls for video recording systems are gaining momentum Mental health support - The industry may need to reconsider how it handles pilot psychological wellness Safety protocols - New procedures might be implemented to prevent similar systematic shutdowns Investigation methods - More comprehensive data collection during flights
The Human Element
What strikes me most about this case is how it highlights the human element in aviation safety. We've built incredibly sophisticated aircraft with multiple redundancies and safety systems, but ultimately, human decision-making remains a critical factor in flight safety.
The preliminary report doesn't delve into the "why" behind these actions - that will likely come in the final investigation. But the "what" is clear enough to be deeply disturbing to anyone who flies or works in aviation.
Looking Ahead
As the full investigation continues, the aviation industry will be watching closely. This case could very well become a watershed moment for how we approach pilot mental health, cockpit security, and aircraft monitoring systems.
The preliminary findings have already sparked intense debate across aviation communities, and rightfully so. When fuel cut-off switches are deliberately activated in sequence during takeoff, it demands answers - not just about what happened, but about how we can prevent it from happening again.
Source
Source: Originally discussed by u/not_a_profession on r/interestingasfuck
Read the original Reddit thread
Official Report: AAIB Preliminary Report VT-ANB
This developing story continues to unfold as investigators work to piece together the complete picture of what happened aboard Air India Flight 171. The preliminary findings have already changed how many in the aviation community view current safety protocols and support systems.
