Boeing's Protocol Play: What Its CEO Said After The Air India AI171 Crash Report? Know In Detail

Boeing affirmed support for the Air India AI171 crash probe after the AAIB preliminary report revealed the Dreamliner's engine fuel switches cut off mid-air.

Air India AI-171 flight crash site, in Ahmedabad (Photo: ANI)

Following the release of the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) preliminary report on the tragic Air India flight AI171 crash, Boeing has expressed its ongoing support for the investigation and its customer, Air India. The London-bound Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crashed on June 12, killing 241 people on board and another 30 on the ground.

The 15-page AAIB report, published late Friday, revealed a significant finding: the fuel switches for both engines had switched from 'Run' to 'Cutoff' in mid-air, cutting off fuel to the engines. This detail is now expected to be a key focus of the investigation.

"Our thoughts are with the loved ones of the passengers and crew on board Air India Flight 171, as well as everyone affected on the ground in Ahmedabad. We continue to support the investigation and our customer," Boeing stated early Saturday. The manufacturer added, "We will defer to the AAIB to share information about AI171, following the protocol set by the United Nations International Civil Aviation Organization known as Annex 13."

Boeing President and CEO Kelly Ortberg also shared a separate statement offering condolences to the victims' families. "I spoke with Air India Chairman N Chandrasekaran to offer our full support. A Boeing team is ready to assist the investigation led by India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau," Ortberg confirmed.

Air India, the Tata-owned airline, acknowledged receiving the preliminary report and expressed its solidarity with the affected families while mourning the losses. "Air India is working closely with stakeholders, including regulators. We continue to cooperate fully with the AAIB and other authorities as their investigation progresses," the airline stated.

The AAIB report also confirmed that the Ram Air Turbine (RAT) was deployed during the initial climb after takeoff, a fact visible in crash footage. The deployment of the RAT indicated a total loss of power and thrust, causing the aircraft to quickly lose altitude even before crossing the airport perimeter wall.

Black box data recovered from the aircraft shows that while both engine fuel switches were returned to the 'Run' position after the initial cutoff, only Engine 1 demonstrated signs of recovery, while Engine 2 did not stabilize. The investigation continues to fully understand the sequence of events and the factors leading to this tragic accident.