The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) issued a 15-page initial report detailing the Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crash in Ahmedabad on June 12.
According to investigators, the jet, headed for London Gatwick, encountered severe engine malfunctions shortly after departing Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. One pilot declared a distress call—“Mayday, Mayday, Mayday”—before all radio contact ceased. Moments later, the plane struck the BJ Medical College hostel, claiming 260 lives, including 19 people on the ground. Only a single passenger survived.
Flight data revealed that Engine 1’s deceleration reversed briefly before resuming function, while Engine 2 failed to regain stable operation despite multiple fuel re-ignition attempts. At 13:38 IST, fuel cutoff switches for both engines were unintentionally moved from ‘Run’ to ‘Cutoff,’ prompting a sudden power loss. Although the crew attempted an emergency relight, engine speeds dropped below minimum idle thresholds.
Cockpit recordings suggest confusion: one pilot questioned, “Why did you cut off?” The other denied doing so, indicating possible miscommunication.
The AAIB noted that the rear flight recorder sustained critical damage, preventing recovery of additional data. Investigators are gathering further evidence from Boeing, GE, and other stakeholders.
No safety advisories have been issued yet for operators of Boeing 787-8 aircraft or GEnx-1B engines. The inquiry will continue to examine technical records, crew actions, and maintenance history.