Archive · 12 Dec 2025
Air India 171 Crash: Pilot Suicide Theory Questioned
A plane called Air India Flight 171 crashed shortly after taking off from an airport in Ahmedabad on June 12.
Almost everyone on board and 19 people on the ground died, with only one survivor.
The plane was a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner.
Investigators are trying to figure out why the crash happened.
Some people think it might have been because the pilots turned off the engines on purpose, but others, including pilot groups, say that's not true and it's unfair to blame the pilots without all the facts.
The investigators are looking at data from the plane's recorders to understand what happened.
They are also looking into past issues with the plane, like water leaks.
The families of the victims are waiting to get back personal items that were found at the crash site.
Air India Flight 171 crashed shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on June 12, resulting in 260 deaths.
Preliminary investigation suggests engine fuel control switches were moved to 'CUTOFF' position three seconds after liftoff, but no cause was given.
Some aviation experts and US officials suggested the possibility of pilot suicide, but Indian pilot associations rejected this theory as 'reckless and unfounded'.
Investigators from AAIB, NTSB, and US agencies are analyzing cockpit voice and flight data recorders, with a meeting scheduled in Washington DC.
The pilot's father filed a petition in the Indian Supreme Court, which was accepted, to seek a formal investigation and clear his son's reputation.
- Who
- Passengers and crew of Air India Flight 171, along with 19 people on the ground
- What
- Crash of Air India Flight 171 shortly after takeoff
- When
- June 12
- Where
- Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, Ahmedabad
- Why
- Cause of the crash is still under investigation, with preliminary findings suggesting engine fuel control switches were moved to 'CUTOFF' position
- Date of Crash
- June 12
- Aircraft Model
- Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner
- Flight Number
- AI171
- Total Deaths
- 260
- Survivor
- Vishwas Kumar Ramesh
- Investigating Bodies
- AAIB, NTSB, US Investigators
- Preliminary Report Findings
- Fuel control switches moved to 'CUTOFF' position three seconds after liftoff
- Pilot Associations' Stance
- Rejected suicide theory as 'reckless and unfounded'
