A new preliminary report into the crash of Air India Flight 171 has shed light on what may have gone wrong just seconds after takeoff. According to the initial investigation, both engines of the aircraft shut down almost simultaneously due to an apparent interruption in fuel supply.
The flight had departed on time and appeared normal during the early moments of takeoff. However, within seconds, the aircraft lost thrust in both engines, leading to a rapid loss of altitude. The crew attempted to regain control, but the plane crashed shortly after, causing significant concern across aviation authorities and the public.
What stands out in the report is the fuel supply issue. Investigators believe that the engines didn’t fail due to a mechanical fault but rather because fuel stopped reaching them. Whether this was due to a blockage, a manual error, or a technical malfunction in the fuel system is still under review.
Aviation experts say simultaneous engine shutdowns are extremely rare in modern aircraft, especially when both are functioning normally during takeoff. The findings have prompted a deeper look into ground handling procedures, fuel line checks, and maintenance records for the aircraft.
No official conclusions have been drawn yet, and a full report will follow after more forensic analysis and data recovery from the flight’s black boxes. Authorities have assured that all similar aircraft will undergo thorough inspections in the meantime.
This incident highlights how even small failures in aviation systems can have serious consequences, and it reinforces the importance of ongoing safety checks and crew readiness.