AI171 Crash Probe In Pics: Visuals From Preliminary Report On Ahmedabad Tragedy

AAIB’s preliminary report on the Air India AI171 crash reveals a mysterious in-flight fuel cutoff and cockpit confusion. See key findings and images from the Ahmedabad tragedy.

Left Engine Resting at the Base of Building D After Impact; Collision Pushed the Wall Inward

The aircraft was destroyed after hitting multiple buildings and catching fire, causing major structural and fire damage to 5 buildings.

While losing altitude, the aircraft hit trees and a chimney before crashing into Building A's northeast wall, 293 ft from initial contact.

The vertical stabilizer was found 200 ft south of Building A’s impact point. The tail, RH main gear were embedded in its northeast wall. Right wing parts lay 280–520 ft southwest, and the nose gear 307 ft southwest.

The wreckage was spread over an area of approx. 1000 ft by 400 ft. Image shows the crash layout with key aircraft parts and buildings labeled A–F for reference.

The forward EAFR, found near Building F, was burnt but data was recovered. It recorded 49 hours of flight and 2 hours of audio. The aft EAFR from Building A’s roof was too damaged to retrieve data.

Flap set at 5° and gear lever down. Thrust levers were at takeoff thrust per EAFR, though found near idle. Fuel switches were in RUN; reversers stowed. Switch wires were visible but damaged.

CCTV showed RAT deployment just after takeoff; no bird activity seen. Aircraft lost altitude before crossing the perimeter wall. EAFR showed both engines' N2 dropped below idle at 08:08:47 UTC.

Right engine hit Building A's water tank, rested at 226°; left engine struck Building D, resting at 326°, causing major damage. APU was intact with its inlet door found open post-recovery.