The US National Transport Safety Board (NTSB) chairman Jennifer Homendi said on Friday that it is very early to conclude in the investigation of the tragic accident of Air India’s flight 171 on June 12, especially after media reports about the role of senior pilot, which mentions cutting fuel switches of both engines. Homendi described media reports on the Air India accident as “very early and speculating”.
The Air India Boeing 787-7 accident in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, on June 12, in which 260 people lost their lives, are investigating the Indian Bureau of Investigation Bureau of Investigation (AAIB), in which NTSB is also supporting. Both, AAIB and Air India CEO Cambal Wilson have also requested the public not to speculate until the investigation is completed.
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NTSB said in a statement, “The recent media reports on the Air India 171 accident are very initial and speculation. India’s aircraft accident bureau has released its preliminary report. This type of investigation takes time. We fully support the public appeal of AAIB, which was issued on Thursday, and will continuously support in our investigation. All the investigation will support all the investigation. AAIB should be answered.”
According to the preliminary report by AAIB, both fuel control switches of Boeing 787 Dreamliner were taken to the “cutoff” position immediately after the flight, which stopped the fuel to the engines. Although these switches were recreated again after about 10 seconds, the aircraft had already lost power, causing accidents.
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A preliminary report of the recently released AAIB found that in the recording of the voice of the cockpit, first officer Clive Kundar captain Sumit Sahbarl was heard asking why he cut the fuel. In response, the second pilot said that he did not do so, it has been said in the AAIB report. In response to these findings of AAIB, India’s Civil Aviation Regulator has ordered an inquiry into fuel control systems of all Boeing 737 and 787 aircraft operated in the country to exclude potential mechanical problems.
Statement from NTSB Chairwoman Jennifer Homendy:
“Recent media reports on the Air India 171 crash are premature and speculative. India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau just released its preliminary report. Investigations of this magnitude take time. We fully support the…— NTSB Newsroom (@NTSB_Newsroom) July 18, 2025