Archive · 25 Jul 2025
NTSB: No Mechanical Issues in Air India Flight 171 Crash
On June 12, an Air India plane crashed, tragically taking the lives of 260 people.
Investigators are looking into what caused it.
A preliminary report suggests the fuel switches were accidentally turned off just before takeoff, which cut off the engines' fuel.
The switches were turned back on quickly, but the plane had already lost power and crashed.
The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) says it wasn't a mechanical problem that caused this.
The investigation is ongoing, and both Indian and American authorities are working together to find out what happened.
NTSB denies mechanical issue caused the Air India Flight 171 crash.
The crash occurred on June 12, resulting in 260 fatalities.
Preliminary report indicates fuel control switches were moved to 'cutoff' position.
The switches were reset 10 seconds later but thrust was lost.
Investigation is jointly conducted by India's AAIB and NTSB.
- Who
- NTSB and AAIB are investigating the crash. The pilots involved were Captain Sumeet Sabharwal and First Officer Clive Kunder.
- What
- Air India Flight 171 crash investigation update.
- When
- The crash occurred on June 12. NTSB's statement was released on Thursday, July 24.
- Where
- Unspecified location of the crash. Information was released in Wisconsin.
- Why
- The cause of the crash is under investigation.
Initial Findings
NTSB Confirmation
Cause of fuel switch manipulation
Initial Findings
Fuel switches were moved to the cutoff position shortly before takeoff.
NTSB Confirmation
The FAA administrator stated the fuel switches were not manipulated intentionally.
- Crash Date
- June 12
- Fatalities
- 260, including 19 on ground
- Lead Investigator
- NTSB & AAIB
- Aircraft Model
- Boeing 787 Dreamliner
- Fuel Switch Status
- Moved to 'cutoff' then restored