The levers that supplied the fuel to the engines were moved weren't they? Surely an electronic fault couldn't do that.
-
TaraDeS — 3 months ago(December 04, 2025 08:39 PM)
'Air India Crash Probe still underway' Centre tells Parliament
The government on Thursday said that the investigation into the Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad in June is still in progress, with a final report yet to be released.
The Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Murlidhar Mohol, stated that the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is conducting the inquiry under the Aircraft (Investigation of Accidents and Incidents) Rules, 2025.
The update came in response to an unstarred question in parliament raised by MP Shafi Parambil regarding the status and findings of the probe.
….
….
https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/air-india-crash-probe-still-underway-centre-tells-parliament-9750128
December 04, 2025 -
TaraDeS — 3 months ago(December 11, 2025 02:14 PM)
Six months after Air India Crash - What India's Aviation Safety Score reveals
Six months after the tragic Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad that killed 260 people,
the national airline is still under fire for its service and safety standards.
According to recent data from AirlineRatings.com, Air India received ratings of 3 out of 10 for passenger experience, 4.5 for product and 3 out of 7 for safety. The report, which includes over 140 passenger submissions, cites issues with seats, meals, check-in, baggage handling and customer service.
Overall value for money scored a low 2.7, while seat and cabin space got 3 out of 5. Customer service and in-flight entertainment were both rated 2.6, showing that passengers are unhappy with onboard amenities. Meals and drinks received a score of 2.9, baggage handling had a score of 2.9 and check-in procedures received a score of 2.7. Nearly 32% of travellers stated they wouldn't suggest Air India. Additionally, the carrier failed to meet the
"fatality-free"
criteria.
Since 2020, India's domestic airlines reported a total of 2,461 technical faults, according to the federal civil aviation ministry. Air India and its subsidiary Air India Express together accounted for 389 faults, according to the BBC.
In 2024, the total number of aircraft accidents increased by 43.9% compared to 2023. The global accident rate also went up, from 1.87 in 2023 to 2.56 in 2024, which is a 36.8% increase. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), there were 7 fatal accidents out of 40.6 million flights. In comparison, 2023 had only 1 fatal accident, and the five-year average is 5 fatal accidents per year. But in recent decades, flying has grown substantially safer. The Aviation Safety Network claims that 2017 was the safest year in the previous 25 years for flyers.
India reached a major milestone in aviation safety oversight in December 2022, moving up from 102nd place in 2018 to 48th place globally. In 2022, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) in India received a score of 85.49% for Effective Implementation (EI), which was an increase from 69.95% in 2018.
https://www.cnbctv18.com/business/aviation/six-months-after-air-india-crash-india-aviation-safety-score-19788508.htm
December 11, 2025
These figures tell me that flying is still considerably safer than other modes of traveling.
And that Air India became a serious competitor for other airlines in recent years.
Therefore…no, I won't say that again….
sabotage
. -
TaraDeS — 3 months ago(December 12, 2025 05:36 PM)
Who's Responsible?
Agonised Families demand Answers as Air India Crash Trauma refuses to fade
Six months after the Air India jet crash in Ahmedabad, victims' families continue to cope with grief, unanswered questions and delays in compensation. The crash resulted in the deaths of 241 passengers
and crew members, along with 19 local residents.
The back of Air India Flight 171 after it crashed in Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025.
Six months after the Air India jet crashed into a residential neighbourhood in Ahmedabad, families of the victims say they are still struggling with grief, unanswered questions and delays in promised compensation.
A small candle burns each day beside a photograph of 14-year-old Akash Patni, who was among the killed on the ground when Air India Flight 171 fell from the sky moments after takeoff and slammed into buildings near the airport. Akash’s father, tea vendor Suresh Patni, said the boy was near a tea stall when debris from the aircraft struck him.
"My son was sitting near the tea stall when a part of the plane fell on him… there was smoke and fire everywhere,"
he said.
"The boy was burnt to ashes… We could not even take him to the hospital."
His mother still bears burn scars from trying to pull him from the flames.
"I am in pain the whole day,” she said. “I tried to save him, but he did not survive."
Families say the months since the crash were filled with trauma and bureaucratic hurdles. Air India paid an initial $28,000 to each family, and its owner
Tata Group
pledged an additional $112,000. Many say they haven't yet received the remaining amount.
"We are yet to get the remaining amount,"
said Kiritsinh Chavda, who lost his brother and sister-in-law.
"They should give whatever compensation they promised. That is enough for me."
Some relatives want accountability more than money.
"The main thing is, who is the culprit responsible?"
said retired academic Badasab Saiyed, who lost four family members.
"Was there lax maintenance… or was it a small (pilot) fault? This should not have happened."
The crash site has since been cleared, but for families like the Patnis, reminders remain constant.
"I can’t bear the sound of a plane now,"
Akash’s mother said.
"I keep looking down, can’t look up in the sky."
'All Possible Causes Examined'
The civil aviation ministry on Monday said, all possible causes behind the Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad are being examined, and stressed that the preliminary investigation report reflects only the evidence available at the time it was issued.
Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol told the Rajya Sabha that the probe remains ongoing.
"All probable causes leading to the accident are being investigated,"
adding that the Directorate General of Civil Aviation established detailed regulations to ensure safe aircraft operations and maintenance.
Mohol said, Air India released interim payments of Rs 25 lakh to the next of kin of 237 of the deceased, with verification pending for 11 more families. Final compensation procedures have begun. Full settlements were completed for 43 people among the 75 injured, while others received interim relief. Tata Trusts has also provided Rs 1 crore ex gratia payments to 86 families, including relatives of six crew members.
https://www.timesnownews.com/india/ahmedabad-air-india-plane-crash-agonised-families-demand-answers-article-153283041
December 12, 2025
Of course, families and friends continue to grieve, and naturally many of them are traumatized.
And of course, they want to know who's responsible. The wait for an answer can be even more demoralizing.
But sadly, sadly, sadly, the answer doesn't bring back the loved ones.
Each one has an own pace, and no one can or should dictate how long it takes to grieve.
If you can't seem to break free from your dark grief loop, you can get help. In our country, help is usually provided by churches, but for some time now there are also so-called
'grief escorters'
. They offer individual talks or groups for relatives of loved deceased persons. There you can talk with people who understand you.
I didn't feel like talking to anyone at all, but on the website of a
'grief escorter'
was a wonderful reply.
If someone asks why you're still so sad (implying to be a full-functional member of society again):
"I'm still sad because he's still dead."
Bam.
And it also helps a lot if you can stop dwelling on what you've lost and try to focus on the beautiful memories
and the good times granted to you. This doesn't happen overnight or with the snap of a finger. As said, everyone needs their own time. And as silly as it may sound, pets can be a great help. You have to take care of them
(good distraction) and their zest for life will take you along…sooner or later. -
TaraDeS — 2 months ago(January 06, 2026 04:46 AM)
AI 171 crash: Karti Chidambaram flags new Set of Information, seeks further Probe
Congress MP Karti P Chidambaram informed Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu that additional information related to the Air India AI171 plane crash emerged and was formally forwarded to the ministry, seeking clarity on whether any further investigation was initiated.
Karti P Chidambaram
Congress MP Karti P Chidambaram on Monday said, he received additional info related to the Air India AI171 plane crash and formally forwarded it to Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu for review, calling for further scrutiny of the case. He said,
"Transparency cannot be optional."
In a letter dated January 05, Chidambaram informed the minister that new material emerged after the preliminary findings were released last year.
"Additional information and material inputs emerged subsequent to the issuance of preliminary findings (in July 2025). The said information has been formally shared with my office and is being forwarded to the ministry for due consideration,”
he wrote.
Call for further Probe and Transparency
Stressing the seriousness of the incident and the scale of loss involved, Chidambaram said it was essential for the ministry and concerned authorities to examine the info and decide whether additional investigation was required. He asked the ministry to clarify
"whether any further investigation, review or reassessment has been initiated"
and
"whether any additional committees, expert groups or oversight mechanisms have been constituted."
The Congress MP also sought greater transparency in the matter, urging the ministry to ensure that
"a comprehensive and updated status report, supported by findings and material examined, be placed on record in the interest of transparency, accountability and public confidence."
Background of the AI171 Crash
Air India’s AI171 flight, which was bound for London, crashed shortly after taking off from Ahmedabad airport on June 12 last year. The accident claimed the lives of 241 passengers and crew members on board and 19 people on the ground. Only one person survived the crash, while around 81 people on the ground sustained injuries.
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau’s preliminary report, released on July 12 last year, stated that fuel supply to both engines was cut off shortly after take-off when the fuel control switches were moved to the cut-off position in quick succession. Although the switches were turned back on around 10 seconds later, the engines already flamed out.
The AAIB report did not determine which pilot moved the switches, did not rule out technical faults and noted that aviation medicine and psychology experts were part of the ongoing investigation.
https://www.financialexpress.com/business/airlines-aviation-transparency-cannot-be-optional-karti-chidambaram-flags-new-inputs-on-air-india-ai171-crash-seeks-review-4098301/
January 05, 2026
The investigation was and is ongoing.
The AAIB and the Indian Ministry declared and explained this several times.
What exactly is the content of this
"additional information"
?
And why was this
"new material"
only made available to investigators now?
Or is a member of Congress just trying to make himself look important? -
TaraDeS — 2 months ago(January 14, 2026 02:10 AM)
Families of 9 British Plane Crash Victims sue Air India
A legal claim for personal injury and damages has been filed at the High Court in London.
https://www.standard.co.uk/news/world/families-of-nine-british-plane-crash-victims-sue-air-india-b1266343.html
January 13, 2026
https://www.thetimes.com/world/asia/article/british-victims-plane-crash-air-india-dcxkfxdpr
January 13, 2026 -
TaraDeS — 2 months ago(January 22, 2026 09:13 PM)
Air India plane had Issues from ‘very first Day it arrived in India’
USA aviation safety campaign group says Boeing Dreamliner suffered
‘a series of system failures’
throughout 11 years of service life.
The London-bound Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner with 242 people on board crashed moments after taking off on June 12, 2025 erupting in a fireball after hitting a medical college hostel. All but one of those on board were killed. Another 19 people were killed on the ground when the plane crashed onto a medical college hostel during lunch hour.
The ill-fated aircraft, one of the earliest 787s, entered service with the Indian airline in early 2014 and went on to suffer a series of system failures, including an electrical fire in 2022 which led to the replacement of core system components, the Foundation for Aviation Safety alleged.
The campaign group submitted the whistleblower report to the U.S. Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations on January 12, 2026 claiming records showed the Boeing plane suffered problems on
“the very first day it arrived in India”
on February 01, 2014. The group alleged that the issues were caused by
"a wide and confusing variety of engineering, manufacturing, quality and maintenance problems throughout its 11-year life”
. The failures ranged from electronics and software glitches to repeated tripping of circuit breakers and short circuits, leading to power losses and overheating across critical system components.
In January 2022, the foundation said, a fire in the aircraft's P100 power distribution panel resulted in
“extensive burning around the L2 Bus Tie Breaker and surrounding wiring”
. The P100 received power from the left engine and distributed it to various vital aircraft systems. The damage was so severe the entire power panel had to be replaced.
In April that year, the aircraft was again grounded due to
“confusing faults”
involving the landing-gear indication system, according to the campaigners.
“Air India replaced a proximity sensing data concentrator module of the plane, the left Common Core System remote data concentrator in the aft electronics bay, and a Remote Power Distribution Unit power module,”
the report said.
Ed Pierson, executive director of the advocacy group, linked the Boeing aircraft's history to early manufacturing quality concerns about the 787 programme. The group said its concerns about the 787 went beyond the plane involved in the Air India crash, adding that it had also reviewed 2,000 failure reports involving hundreds of other aircraft in the USA, Canada and Australia. The crashed jet was only the 26th 787 built, Mr. Pierson, a former Boeing senior manager, told The Free Press Journal.
….
….
On Thursday [
today
], Boeing deferred queries about the crash to the AAIB
when The Independent reached out for a comment.
In its August 2025 official update about crashed Flight 171, Air India said:
“The safety of our passengers, crew and aircraft is our foremost priority. Following the tragic accident involving AI171 in June, we have undertaken a series of proactive measures and conducted comprehensive checks ensuring that every flight continues to meet the highest global standards of safety and customer service.”
The measures included fleet inspections, safety pause and operational enhancements, safety protocols and training and phased resumption of international flights, among others.
The Independent has reached out to Air India for a comment.
https://www.independent.co.uk/asia/india/air-india-crash-boeing-787-dreamliner-safety-fire-b2904484.html
January 22, 2026
The Independent should rather reach out to
Jennifer
for a comment. -
TaraDeS — 1 month ago(February 03, 2026 10:05 PM)
Fuel Switch Scare renews Focus on AI171 Crash
The incident on Air India Flight AI132 from London Heathrow to Bengaluru,
assumes significance in the wake of the increased scrutiny faced by the airline.
Air India’s Boeing 787 Dreamliner.
An Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner operating from London Heathrow to Bengaluru was grounded February 02, 2026 after the crew reported that a fuel control switch moved from the normal RUN position to CUTOFF, a failure mode that can cut fuel supply to an engine and cause it to shut down.
The incident occurred on flight AI132 scheduled from Heathrow, London, to Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru. According to Air India, the issue was flagged by the pilots, who reported a possible defect in the fuel control switch.
The airline immediately grounded the affected aircraft — a Boeing 787-8 with registration VT-ANX — as a precautionary measure and informed the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). Boeing, the aircraft manufacturer, was brought in for priority technical checks.
In a statement, Air India said:
"We are aware that one of our pilots reported a possible defect on the fuel control switch of a Boeing 787-8 aircraft. After receiving this initial information, we grounded the said aircraft and are involving the OEM [original equipment manufacturer] to get the pilot’s concerns checked on a priority basis. The matter was communicated to the aviation regulator, DGCA."
The airline added that it previously carried out fleet-wide inspections of fuel control switches on all its Boeing 787 aircraft following a DGCA directive issued last year and that no anomalies were found at that time.
Echoes of the AI171 Crash
The development drew immediate attention because of its similarity to events described in the fatal crash of Air India flight AI171 on June 12, 2025. That Boeing 787-8, operating from Ahmedabad to London, crashed shortly after take-off, killing 241 people on board and 19 people on the ground — a total of 260 fatalities. The accident remains one of the deadliest aviation disasters in recent years.
The preliminary investigation by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) revealed that fuel supply to both engines was cut off almost simultaneously seconds after departure. Cockpit voice recorder audio captured one pilot asking the other why the fuel switches had been moved to CUTOFF, with the second pilot responding that he had not done so.
Those findings led to widespread speculation which in many instances degenerated into calumny against the pilots — that the crash may have involved deliberate pilot action. In some quarters, this escalated into suggestions of pilot suicide.
Pilot associations and many aviation professionals strongly rejected such claims, describing them as premature, insensitive and unsupported by evidence at the time. Alternative explanations were also discussed, including possible electrical disturbances, inadvertent switch movement or a latent mechanical fault.
Renewed Scrutiny
Sunday’s incident revived scrutiny of those alternative explanations.
Fuel control switches on the Boeing 787 are spring-loaded levers designed to remain securely locked in the RUN position once selected. An uncommanded movement to CUTOFF is considered a serious anomaly that could, under certain circumstances, lead to engine flameout in flight.
Safety Concerns Raised
Aviation safety groups also flagged concerns. The Safety Matters Foundation stated that the left-engine fuel control switch on the aircraft involved in the latest incident reportedly failed twice to remain locked in the RUN position during engine start at Heathrow, drifting toward CUTOFF.
The group described the behaviour as
"abnormal"
and urged regulators and the airline to examine whether the issue could indicate a recurring or systemic problem. Air India reiterated that passenger and crew safety remains its top priority and that it is cooperating fully with the DGCA, AAIB and Boeing.
What Comes Next
Regulators and investigators will now examine the reported defect in detail. Among the key questions under review are whether the incident represents an isolated malfunction or points to a broader design, manufacturing or maintenance issue.
Investigators will also assess whether any similar vulnerabilities were identified or addressed after the 2025 crash, and whether the same failure mode could have contributed to the loss of both engines on AI171.
As investigations continue, the possibility of a mechanical explanation — previously dismissed by some — is likely to receive renewed attention. Further updates from the DGCA, AAIB, Boeing and Air India are expected in the coming days.
https://swarajyamag.com/news-brief/potential-game-changer-in-air-india-ai-171-crash-probe-boeing-787-fuel-switch-defect-reported-aircraft-grounded
Febuary 02, 2026
https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/fuel-switch-scare-renews-focus-on-ai-171-crash-last-june-101770076367037.html
February 03, 2026
Suspicions against a -
TaraDeS — 1 month ago(February 04, 2026 06:38 AM)
DGCA: No Engine Issue in Air India Boeing 787 after Fuel Switch Glitch
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said on Tuesday (February 03) that no abnormal parameters were detected during the engine start of Air India’s Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, which had earlier reported a fuel control switch glitch, after the crew carried out a physical inspection of the switch.
https://thefederal.com/category/news/dgca-air-india-boeing-787-dreamliner-fuel-control-switch-glitch-228295
February 03, 2026
This all-clear came surprisingly quickly.
-
TaraDeS — 1 month ago(February 04, 2026 11:36 AM)
What DGCA said on Air India flight AI-132
(flight from London to Bengaluru)
The DGCA stated that during engine start, the crew observed on two occasions that the fuel control switch did not fully lock into the RUN position when light vertical pressure was applied. On the third attempt, the switch latched correctly in the RUN position and remained stable. Before proceeding further, the crew physically verified that the switch was fully secured in the correct position.
The regulator clarified that no abnormal engine parameters, warnings, cautions or system messages were recorded at any point during the flight. Aircraft performance remained normal throughout the journey.
The crew was briefed about the observation, advised to avoid unnecessary contact with the switch and instructed to closely monitor engine indications during the flight. The aircraft landed safely at Bengaluru International Airport at 11:47 am, around 33 minutes ahead of schedule.
Post-landing, the observation was recorded in the Pilot Defect Report (PDR). The airline referred the matter to Boeing, following which Air India’s engineering team carried out inspections as per the manufacturer’s recommended procedures.
What exactly was found regarding the Fuel Switch in the Investigation?
According to the DGCA, the investigation found both the left and right fuel control switches to be in technically satisfactory condition. The locking tooth-pole was properly seated, and the switch did not automatically move from the RUN to the CUT-OFF position. When force was applied in the correct direction, parallel to the base plate, the switch remained fully secure. No mechanical failure was detected.
Then, why was the Switch found to be moving?
The DGCA explained that if pressure is applied from an incorrect angle or direction, the angular base plate design of the switch can cause it to move from RUN to CUT-OFF. This behaviour is design-related and not a defect. The movement depends on the direction of applied force rather than any technical malfunction.
What Tests were conducted under Boeing’s Guidance?
Pull-to-unlock force tests were carried out in line with Boeing’s guidelines. These checks were performed on the switches installed on the aircraft, on replacement units and on switches from other aircraft. In all cases, the force required to unlock the switch was found to be within prescribed limits. The inspection was conducted in the presence of DGCA officials.
What was said about the Viral Video on Social Media?
The investigation team reviewed the viral video and found that the switch was being operated in a manner not consistent with Boeing’s recommended procedure. The incorrect method of operation led to misleading visual results, creating the impression of a malfunction.
What further Advice provided Boeing to Air India?
Boeing advised Air India to circulate the correct operating procedure for the fuel control switch among all crew members. Ensuring correct handling techniques and adherence to standard procedures will help prevent similar misunderstandings in the future.
https://www.news18.com/india/when-ai-171-crashed-due-to-fuel-switch-fault-why-did-ai-132-fly-with-the-same-issue-ws-kl-9878450.html
February 04, 2026
The end of an old joke about a bad tailor comes to mind:
"A crooked fellow, but he has a good tailor."
Air India grounds Boeing 787 Aircraft after Pilot flags Fuel Control Switch Defect -
TaraDeS — 1 month ago(February 25, 2026 01:45 PM)
Delhi HC rejects Plea to alter AAIB Preliminary Report
The court also orally observed that investigation was still underway
and the bureau has only given a preliminary report at this stage.
Delhi High Court.
….
….
https://thenewsmill.com/2026/02/delhi-hc-rejects-plea-to-alter-aaib-preliminary-report-on-ahmedabad-air-india-crash/
February 25, 2026
https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/delhi/delhi-hc-junks-pil-over-info-on-ahmedabad-plane-crash/amp/
February 25, 2026
This also means that we'll have to wait for the final report, possibly until permitted June.
