Air India 787 crash likely due to dual engine failure: investigators

A rare dual engine failure during initial climb is the leading theory behind the crash of Air India Flight AI171, investigators said, as the death toll from the June 12 disaster rose to at least 270.

The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner departed Ahmedabad at 1:38 p.m. en route to London Gatwick. Within 36 seconds of liftoff, both GE GEnx engines lost thrust, prompting the deployment of the ram air turbine (RAT) — a last-resort power source triggered by complete engine failure. Black box data and CCTV footage confirm the RAT deployed and cockpit audio captured a pilot declaring, “Thrust not achieved. … Mayday.”

The aircraft descended rapidly and crashed into the B.J. Medical College hostel complex, killing 241 people onboard and causing widespread destruction on the ground. Authorities confirmed 29 additional fatalities among students and staff in the hostel dining hall, bringing the total death toll to 270. A total of 135 victims have been identified so far, with 101 bodies released to families as DNA testing continues.

British national Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, seated in emergency exit row 11A, was the sole survivor. Speaking from his hospital bed, he described hearing a metallic snap followed by engine silence. “I jumped or was thrown,” he told state broadcaster Doordarshan. He remains hospitalized with burns and fractures.

Ramesh’s survival echoes that of Thai singer Ruangsak Loychusak, who also occupied seat 11A when he survived the Thai Airways crash in Surat Thani in 1988.

India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation has grounded several of Air India’s 33 Dreamliners and conducted urgent inspections. While no structural flaw has been found, maintenance documentation and parts management practices are under scrutiny. The agency also requested training records for the crew and flight dispatcher.

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau is leading the probe with support from Boeing, GE Aerospace and teams from the U.S. and U.K. Investigators are analyzing flight data, engine logs and crew procedures to determine if mechanical failure, fuel contamination, or human error caused the crash. A preliminary report is expected within three months.

Air India has canceled at least eight international flights to allow for safety checks across its 787 fleet.