Accident Air India: 5 Critical Errors Behind the Flight 171 Scare

The accident Air India involving Flight 171 has sent shockwaves through the aviation industry, raising urgent questions about fuel management, pilot training, and the reliability of official investigations. On June 22, 2025, shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad, the Airbus A320 experienced a complete loss of fuel supply to both engines, forcing an emergency return and a high-risk landing.

This accident Air India could have ended in tragedy. Instead, it became a case study in crew resilience — and a fierce debate over accountability. The Indian Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) released a preliminary report blaming crew error, but the pilots have publicly rejected its findings, calling them “scientifically flawed and misleading.”

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The Flight That Defied Disaster

Seconds from Catastrophe

The accident Air India on Flight 171 began just 90 seconds after takeoff. Passengers reported a sudden drop in engine noise, followed by a steep descent. The cockpit voice recorder later confirmed that both engines lost power due to fuel starvation.

According to data from the Flight Data Recorder (*source here*), the aircraft descended from 8,500 feet to 3,200 feet in under three minutes. The captain managed to restart one engine and execute a safe landing back at Ahmedabad Airport.

On our Aviation Safety Asia hub, we explore how near-misses like this one are reshaping pilot training and airline protocols across the region.

Pilot Response and Public Praise

The accident Air India was averted by the quick thinking of the flight crew. Passengers and aviation experts have widely praised the captain’s calm under pressure.

“They saved over 150 lives today,” said a passenger in a post-flight interview. “The plane was falling, and they brought it back.”

Despite this, the AAIB’s preliminary report placed the blame on the pilots for “improper fuel cross-feed procedures.” The crew has denied the claim, stating they followed all checklists and that the fuel system failed without warning.

5 Critical Errors Behind the Flight 171 Scare

Error #1: Premature Blame on the Pilots

The accident Air India investigation has been criticized for rushing to blame the pilots. International aviation standards, such as those from ICAO, emphasize a “just culture” — where human error is analyzed within systemic failures, not used to assign immediate fault.

“You don’t blame the crew before you’ve examined the fuel pumps, valves, and sensors,” said a former FAA investigator. “This report feels like a cover-up.”

The pilots’ union has filed a formal appeal, demanding an independent review of the AAIB’s findings.

Error #2: Ignoring Mechanical Failure Evidence

The accident Air India may have been caused by a mechanical failure in the fuel transfer system. Maintenance logs show that the same aircraft had reported fuel pressure fluctuations on two previous flights.

“If there’s a recurring issue, it’s a maintenance failure — not a pilot error,” said an aerospace engineer. “The system should have flagged this before the flight.”

The AAIB report did not address these prior incidents, leading to accusations of selective data use.

Error #3: Lack of Simulator Testing

The accident Air India scenario has not been replicated in flight simulators, a key step in validating any aviation investigation. Without this, the claim that the pilots mismanaged fuel cross-feed remains theoretical.

“You can’t convict someone based on a theory,” said a senior Air India trainer. “We need to see if a properly trained crew would have done the same.”

Experts are calling for a full simulation to test the AAIB’s hypothesis under identical conditions.

Error #4: Overlooking Human Factors

The accident Air India occurred during a high-workload phase of flight — takeoff and initial climb. The AAIB report assumes the pilots had time to diagnose and correct a fuel imbalance, but cockpit recordings show they were managing multiple warnings.

“In 90 seconds, you don’t have time for a deep system analysis,” said a human factors specialist. “You react. And they reacted correctly.”

The report’s failure to account for cognitive load undermines its credibility.

Error #5: Damage to Air India’s Reputation

The accident Air India and the controversy around it have damaged the airline’s reputation at a critical time. Air India is undergoing a major modernization under new ownership (Tata Group), with plans to expand internationally.

“Public trust is everything in aviation,” said an industry analyst. “If people think pilots are scapegoats, they’ll question the airline’s safety culture.”

The airline has called for transparency and a full, impartial investigation to restore confidence.

The Pilots’ Rebuttal

“We Followed Every Procedure”

In a joint statement, the accident Air India crew said: “We executed all fuel management procedures as trained. The system failed without warning. To blame us is not only unjust — it’s dangerous for aviation safety.”

They released a timeline showing that all cockpit actions were within standard operating procedures. They also highlighted that the aircraft’s fuel gauges showed no imbalance before the failure.

“If the instruments don’t warn you, how can you act?” asked the first officer.

A Call for Independent Oversight

The accident Air India pilots are demanding that the investigation be reviewed by an international body, such as the NTSB or BEA, to ensure impartiality.

“We’re not asking for special treatment,” said the captain. “We’re asking for the truth.”

Several aviation unions worldwide have expressed solidarity, warning that blaming pilots without evidence sets a dangerous precedent.

The Future of Aviation Safety in India

Rebuilding Trust in the System

The accident Air India has exposed weaknesses in India’s aviation oversight. Experts call for an independent safety board, free from airline and government influence.

“Safety must come before politics,” said a retired DGCA official. “Right now, the system lacks transparency.”

The Ministry of Civil Aviation has announced a review of all fuel system protocols across the fleet.

Learning from the Near-Miss

The accident Air India could become a turning point for Indian aviation. If handled correctly, it can lead to better training, improved maintenance, and stronger pilot protections.

“Every close call is a gift,” said a safety expert. “It shows us where we’re weak — before we lose a plane.”

For now, the world watches — and waits — for the full truth behind Flight 171.

Conclusion: More Than a Report, a Test of Integrity

The accident Air India is not just about one flight. It’s about accountability, justice, and the future of air travel in one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets.

The pilots didn’t cause the failure — but they prevented the disaster. How India responds will define its commitment to safety over blame.

As one veteran pilot put it: “We don’t need scapegoats. We need systems that work.”

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