**Air India Flight AI171 Crash: A Detailed Timeline of Events**
On June 12, a tragic incident occurred when Air India flight AI171, bound for London, crashed just 32 seconds after taking off from Ahmedabad. A preliminary investigation revealed that both engines lost fuel supply almost simultaneously, leading to a catastrophic failure. The pilots, reportedly confused, were unable to restore thrust in time. Here’s a detailed timeline of the events leading up to the crash.
**Timeline of Events:**
– **11:17 AM IST:** Air India Dreamliner VT-ANB arrives in Ahmedabad from New Delhi as flight AI423.
– **1:13 PM:** The aircraft requests pushback and startup.
– **1:13:13 PM:** Air Traffic Control (ATC) approves pushback.
– **1:16:59 PM:** ATC grants startup clearance.
– **1:18:38 PM:** The aircraft departs from Bay 34 at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport.
– **1:19:12 PM:** ATC inquires if the aircraft needs the full length of the runway, to which the crew confirms.
– **1:25:15 PM:** The aircraft requests taxi clearance, which is granted by ATC.
– **1:26 PM:** The aircraft taxis to Runway 23 via Taxiway R4, backtracks, and lines up for takeoff.
– **1:32:03 PM:** The aircraft is transferred from ground control to tower control.
– **1:33:45 PM:** The aircraft is instructed to line up on Runway 23.
– **1:37:37 PM:** ATC clears the aircraft for takeoff.
– **1:37:37 PM:** The takeoff roll begins.
– **1:38:39 PM:** The aircraft lifts off from the runway.
– **1:38:42 PM:** The aircraft reaches a maximum speed of 180 knots.
Shortly after liftoff, both Engine 1 and Engine 2 experienced fuel cutoff, with switches moving from RUN to CUTOFF positions just one second apart. As the engines began to decelerate, the Ram Air Turbine (RAT) was deployed during the initial climb. A conversation between the pilots revealed confusion regarding the fuel cutoff, with one pilot questioning the other about the action.
– **1:38:47 PM:** Both engines drop below minimum idle speed, prompting the RAT’s pump to supply hydraulic power.
– **1:38:52 PM:** The fuel cutoff switch for Engine 1 is moved back to RUN.
– **1:38:56 PM:** Engine 2’s fuel cutoff switch is also reset to RUN. While Engine 1 begins to recover, Engine 2 fails to regain thrust.
– **1:39:05 PM:** One pilot issues a distress call, “MAYDAY, MAYDAY, MAYDAY.”
– **1:39:11 PM:** Data recording from the aircraft ceases.
– **1:44:44 PM:** Fire tenders depart the airport for rescue and firefighting efforts.
This incident highlights the critical importance of clear communication and protocol adherence in aviation. Investigations are ongoing to determine the exact causes and to prevent future occurrences.
**FAQ: What caused the Air India flight AI171 crash?**
The crash was primarily caused by a simultaneous fuel cutoff to both engines shortly after takeoff, leading to a loss of thrust. The pilots were unable to restore engine power in time, resulting in the tragic accident.
