Air India Crash: Preliminary Probe Suggests Possible Dual Engine Failure

 New Delhi, July 2, 2025 — The tragic crash of Air India Flight AI-171, bound for London from Ahmedabad, may have been caused by a dual engine failure, according to a report published by Bloomberg, citing sources familiar with the ongoing investigation.

The aircraft, a Boeing Dreamliner, crashed shortly after takeoff on June 12, claiming the lives of 270 individuals, including all but one of the 242 passengers and crew members onboard. The incident is currently under investigation by India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), which is expected to release its preliminary findings later this week or early next week.

According to Bloomberg, pilots involved in the investigation used flight simulators to replicate the conditions of the doomed flight, including scenarios with landing gear deployed and wing flaps retracted. The simulations, however, did not result in a loss of control, leading investigators to focus on a potential technical malfunction, possibly involving both engines.

Wreckage analysis reportedly confirms that the aircraft’s wing flaps and slats—critical for generating lift during takeoff—were properly extended, eliminating configuration error as a primary cause. The report also notes that the flight crew had issued a Mayday call seconds after takeoff, with just 15 seconds elapsing between the distress signal and impact, according to individuals close to the investigation.

The AAIB continues to lead the formal inquiry, examining all possible mechanical, operational, and human factors.

In the wake of the tragedy, Tata Sons convened its first board meeting to address the crisis. Chairman N. Chandrasekaran briefed the board on the relief efforts undertaken since the incident and reaffirmed the group’s commitment to supporting affected families. According to sources cited by the Press Trust of India (PTI), Tata Sons is collaborating closely with Tata Trusts, the majority shareholder, to expand relief operations and provide long-term assistance to victims’ families.

The crash of Flight AI-171 marks one of the deadliest aviation disasters in Indian history and raises pressing concerns about aircraft safety and maintenance protocols. Authorities have assured the public of a transparent and thorough investigation, with safety at the forefront of Air India’s operational priorities moving forward.