A preliminary report on the June 12 Air India crash in Ahmedabad that claimed 260 lives, was released by India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) on Saturday.

A 15-page report shares details of the cockpit conversation and technical events that led to the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner bound for the London Gatwick crash, just a few seconds after take-off from Ahmedabad Airport.

In the cockpit voice recorder, one of the pilots is heard asking the co pilot why he cut off, to which the pilot is heard replying ‘I did not do so’. This is the last crucial conversation that happened before the engines of the flight shut down abruptly.

The report disclosed that the fuel supply switch of both the engines automatically moved from RUN to CUTOFF just a few seconds after take-off, leading to this fatal accident.

Flight AI171 from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick had arrived from Delhi after all clearance, with a few minor troubleshooting. This London-bound flight had onboard 230 passengers, including two infants, and 10 cabin crew.

Data recovered states that the aircraft started rolling at 13:37 IST and took off and lifted off at 13:38 IST, but at a peak speed of 180 knots, the engines cut the power abruptly.

At 13:39 IST, the pilot was heard calling ‘Mayday’

Pilots were heard trying to make multiple attempts to recover both the engines. While Engine 1 showed some signs of recovery, the other engine showed no sign, despite continuous fuel injections. At 13:39:11 IST, the recording stopped and seconds after, the aircraft crashed.

The theory behind the hazardous goods and bird strike has been ruled out

The details of the report have been acknowledged by Air India, which has reaffirmed support for families of the deceased. Air India stands in solidarity with the families and those affected by the AI171 accident. We continue to mourn the loss and are fully committed to providing support during this difficult time. We acknowledge receipt of the preliminary report released by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) today, 12 July 2025. Air India is working closely with stakeholders, including regulators. We continue to fully cooperate with the AAIB and other authorities as their investigation progresses.

Given the active nature of the investigation, we are unable to comment on specific details and refer all such enquiries to the AAIB,” the airline said on X. Boeing also put out a statement, “Our thoughts remain with the loved ones of the passengers and crew on board Air India Flight 171, as well as everyone affected on the ground in Ahmedabad. We continue to support the investigation and our customers. We will defer to the AAIB to provide information about AI171, in adherence with the United Nations International Civil Aviation Organization protocol known as Annex 13,” Boeing said.

The AAIB has said: “At this stage of investigation, there are no recommended actions to B787-8 and/or GE GEnx-1B engine operators and manufacturers. Investigation is continuing and the investigation team will review and examine additional evidence, records and information that is being sought from the stakeholders.”

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