The investigation into the tragic crash of Air India Flight AI171, which occurred shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad on June 12 2025, has revealed sad and troubling new findings. Preliminary data indicates that both engines lost thrust due to the fuel control switches being manually turned off shortly after departure.
Such a simultaneous shutdown of fuel supply to both engines is highly unlikely to be accidental given the safety mechanisms in place. Investigators have thus begun focusing on possible deliberate actions in the cockpit as a cause of the crash.
Attention has also turned to the mental health of the pilot in command, Captain Sumeet Sabharwal. Reports show that he had been struggling with depression in the months leading up to the accident, including dealing with the recent death of his mother. Authorities are reviewing his medical records and psychological state to determine if his condition may have contributed to the events.
While pilot unions and aviation authorities have urged caution, emphasising that the investigation is ongoing and that no conclusions have yet been reached, the emerging evidence is prompting serious questions about mental health monitoring and cockpit safety protocols. The tragedy, which resulted in the loss of 278 lives, has intensified calls for thorough examination of pilot wellbeing and airline safety measures to prevent such incidents in the future. The full investigation report is expected to provide more definitive answers in the coming months.
Sign up for personalised news
Subscribe to our viraltrendingcontent alerts to get the latest stories into your inbox!
By signing up, you will create a viraltrendingcontent account if you don’t already have one. Review our
Privacy Policy for more information about our privacy practices.
