GE Completes Engine Analysis for AI-171 Crash Investigation

GE Aerospace Engine Findings

American manufacturer GE Aerospace has delivered its comprehensive engine analysis reports to the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) concerning the Air India Flight 171 crash. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner (VT-ANB) accident, which occurred on June 12, 2025, in Ahmedabad, remains under intense scrutiny after resulting in 260 fatalities. The delivery of these technical findings marks a critical milestone in the investigation, providing the AAIB with the necessary data to conclude its final report, which is now expected within approximately two months.

The Path to the Final Report

Following the receipt of the GE analysis, the AAIB is now tasked with sequencing all gathered evidence to determine the definitive cause of the crash. The investigation is being conducted under ICAO Annex 13 protocols, ensuring a rigorous, independent review process. The industry is watching the upcoming publication closely, as the findings hold significant implications for Air India, Boeing, and the broader aviation safety community. The complexity of modern fly-by-wire systems means that investigators must reconcile mechanical data with cockpit activity, an effort that has extended the inquiry beyond standard timelines.

Technical Scrutiny and Controversy

The investigation has been marked by significant controversy regarding the interpretation of cockpit events. The AAIB Preliminary Report VT-ANB noted that the Preliminary Report VT-ANB shows "engine 1 and engine 2 fuel cutoff switches transitioned from RUN to CUTOFF position one after the other with a time gap of 01 sec(ond)." This detail sparked public and professional outcry after the preliminary report included cockpit voice recordings suggesting confusion among the flight crew. Industry experts and the Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP) have cautioned against premature conclusions, arguing that the AAIB must avoid obliquely blaming the crew without conclusive proof of intent or error.

Historical Context and Systemic Implications

This investigation reflects a broader trend in aviation safety, where complex system failures often lead to intense debate between human factors and technical malfunctions. In the case of Yeti Airlines Flight 691 (2023), investigators found that inadvertent lever manipulation led to a total loss of thrust, a precedent that highlights why investigators are closely examining the switch positions on the AI-171 aircraft. Conversely, the TransAsia Airways Flight 235 (2015) event serves as a reminder of how pilot confusion during an emergency can lead to the shutdown of a functioning engine.

Stakeholder Impact and Future Milestones

For Air India, the final report outcome is a critical factor in managing ongoing liability and global reputational risks. Boeing faces potential system architecture reviews if the fuel supply cut is traced to electronic or software defects rather than pilot input. The Federation of Indian Pilots continues to advocate for a transparent process, potentially commissioning independent simulator tests to challenge the official narrative. As the AAIB moves toward finalizing its report, the aviation industry awaits a conclusion that can withstand rigorous legal and technical scrutiny across multiple jurisdictions.