New Delhi, Feb 12: A shocking revelation has come to light about the investigation into the Air India Flight AI-171 crash. According to a report by Italian daily Corriere della Sera, the disaster in June 2025 may not have been the result of technical failure but could have been caused by an intentional action by one of the pilots

The Italian daily cited two sources familiar with the latest discussions between New Delhi and Washington. The report, however, added that it would be premature to conclude anything before an official report by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation is released.

The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner operating the London-bound flight from Ahmedabad where Captain Sumeet Sabharwal was the pilot-in-command, while First Officer Clive Kunder was the co-pilot, crashed seconds after takeoff on June 12, 2025, killing 260 people, including passengers, crew, and those on the ground. Only one passenger miraculously survived the tragedy, having a few scratches and minor injuries.

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Investigators preparing the final report believe that both engine fuel control switches were deliberately moved to the “CUTOFF” position, shutting off fuel to the engines shortly after the aircraft became airborne. Sources familiar with the probe said that this action appears not to have been caused by a mechanical failure but likely by human involvement.

According to the Corriere della Sera, Western technical experts assisting India in the investigation found no scenario in flight tests where both engines would shut down because of technical defect. The experts concluded that only deliberate alteration of the fuel switches could reasonably explain the dual engine shutdown.

Flight Audio & Cockpit Data

A preliminary report released in July 2025 by India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) mentioned the final cockpit exchange regarding one pilot allegedly switching off the fuel control. In the cockpit voice recording, one pilot was heard asking, “Why did you cut off (the fuel)?” The other replied, “I did not do so.”

The report further wrote, “Responsibilities remain unclear: the main suspect is Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, who, as emerged a month after the crash, suffered from depression.”

Reactions and Ongoing Review

Following the AAIB’s preliminary findings - family members of the pilots and national pilots’ organizations have previously questioned the suggestion of pilot responsibility. Sabharwal’s father rejected the allegations, demanded a fresh probe, and dismissed speculation about his son’s mental health. He refuted suggestions that personal issues, including reports of a divorce, had led to anxiety or depression.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) have been leading the probe, with technical support from international partners. However, both authorities have yet to issue a full official report detailing all findings.

Compiled by: Aditi Majhi