Singapore / New Delhi, July 16, 2025 — The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has praised the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau’s (AAIB) preliminary report into the June 12 crash of Air India Flight AI 171 as more detailed than anticipated, highlighting its value in providing early clarity—even as the investigation continues.
🧾 What the Report Revealed
- Released exactly 30 days after the tragedy, AAIB’s 15-page initial report confirms that both engine fuel-control switches were flipped to ‘CUTOFF’ within one second after takeoff, triggering a fatal loss of thrust and cockpit confusion .
- Despite this revelation, the report stops short of conclusions or assigning blame; no safety recommendations were issued to Boeing or GE at this stage.
🎤 IATA DG Willie Walsh Responds
At an aviation forum in Singapore, IATA Director General Willie Walsh—himself a former pilot—commended the Indian government and AAIB for delivering a comprehensive preliminary report in a timely manner. He remarked:
“It contained more information than most people were expecting… helpful… all airlines and aviation professionals will now await the final report.”
Walsh added that while the initial findings are helpful, investigators must be given full latitude and time to complete the final analysis.
- He noted that although no formal directives followed the report, some airlines are proactively inspecting fuel-control switches, a sensible precaution under current circumstances .
- He also reiterated longstanding calls for cockpit video recorders, arguing that videos—alongside voice data—could significantly aid in unraveling cockpit actions .
⚖️ Industry and Pilot Reaction
- The International Federation of Air Line Pilots’ Associations (IFALPA) cautioned against speculation, emphasizing that preliminary reports raise questions rather than offer answers
- Pilot associations in India echoed this restraint, urging stakeholders to await the final AAIB report.
🔍 Broader Implications
- The AAIB’s upfront disclosure—especially concerning the fuel-switch activation—marks an unusually transparent step, helping to focus early investigation and fleet inspections.
- Regulators (DGCA, FAA, South Korea) and major carriers have already undertaken checks on Boeing 787 fuel-control mechanisms
- The lack of mechanical recommendations keeps the focus on human factors, cockpit ergonomics, and potential design enhancements.
🗓️ Looking Ahead
- The final AAIB report is expected within 12 months and may include procedural or design recommendations.
- Meanwhile, airlines worldwide are reviewing cockpit control layouts and evaluating whether to mandate video recorders in flight decks.