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A preliminary investigation into the crash of Air India flight 171 shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad has revealed that both fuel control switches were cut off, indicating a potential pilot error. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) report, released on Saturday, did not assign blame or clarify how the switches were moved, nor did it identify the pilots involved. The Airlines Pilots’ Association of India criticized the report for its perceived bias and lack of transparency. The flight, which was bound for London, tragically crashed into a medical college hostel on June 12, resulting in the deaths of 241 people onboard and 19 on the ground, marking the deadliest aviation accident in a decade. Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, a 56-year-old veteran with 30 years of experience, and 32-year-old Co-pilot Clive Kunder were at the controls during the incident. 
Published: Jul 12 2025, 9 pmeznews.inAviation experts and pilots have expressed significant skepticism regarding the preliminary findings of the Air India Flight 171 crash investigation, particularly concerning the alleged role of the pilots. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) report indicated that both engines of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner shut down shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad, but did not determine the cause. Experts suggest that mechanical failures may be to blame, rather than pilot error, with veteran aviator Captain Shakti Lumba arguing that the AAIB may have misinterpreted flight data. The Airline Pilots’ Association of India has criticized the investigation's transparency and the exclusion of qualified flight crew from the inquiry, raising concerns about a potential malfunction in the fuel control system. The investigation is ongoing, with a final report expected within 12 months, as industry stakeholders call for a more thorough examination of the data.
Published: Jul 12 2025, 10 pmeznews.inAn Air India Boeing 787-8 aircraft that crashed shortly after take-off in Ahmedabad last month may have experienced mechanical or power supply issues affecting the fuel switches, according to experts. The preliminary report from the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) revealed that the fuel switches for both engines were turned off within one second of each other before the crash on June 12. Captain C S Randhawa, President of the Federation of Indian Pilots, noted that the switches require human interaction to change positions, raising questions about whether the switch changes were intentional or accidental. The cockpit voice recording indicated confusion between the pilots, with one asking why the switch was cut off, to which the other denied doing so. Investigations will continue to determine the cause of the switch changes, including potential mechanical failures or software glitches.
Published: Jul 12 2025, 7 pmeznews.inAir India announced plans to engage its pilots in dedicated sessions to review the preliminary investigation report of the tragic June 12 crash of flight AI171, which resulted in the deaths of 261 people. The 15-page report from the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AIIB) revealed that both engines lost fuel supply simultaneously shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad, leading to the aircraft crashing into a medical college hostel. Air India’s Senior Vice-President for flight operations, Manish Uppal, emphasized the importance of learning from this incident to enhance safety. The report noted confusion in the cockpit, with a recorded exchange between pilots questioning the fuel cutoff. Aviation experts expressed concerns over the report's findings, particularly regarding the mechanical safeguards on fuel switches and the absence of cockpit camera footage. The Airlines Pilots’ Association of India criticized the investigation for perceived bias and a lack of transparency.
Published: Jul 12 2025, 7 pmeznews.inA preliminary report into the tragic crash of an Air India Boeing 787 on June 12 has revealed that both engines lost fuel supply almost immediately after takeoff from Ahmedabad, leading to the aircraft's descent into a residential area and resulting in the deaths of 241 of the 242 people on board. The 15-page document details the critical 32 seconds from takeoff to impact, highlighting that two fuel switches in the cockpit were inexplicably moved to the cut-off position, crippling the engines during a crucial phase of flight. First Officer Clive Kunder, with 1,100 flight hours, was at the controls, while Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, more experienced with 8,500 hours, was monitoring. Investigators are puzzled by the switch manipulation, which is typically secured and only altered in emergencies. The report also notes that no mechanical faults were found with the aircraft or engines, and a final report on the incident is expected to take months.
Published: Jul 12 2025, 7 pmeznews.inIn a significant policy shift, India's federal environment ministry has exempted 79% of coal-fired power plants from a decade-old mandate requiring the installation of $30 billion worth of clean-air equipment. The new gazette notification, issued late Friday, allows plants located outside a 10-kilometer radius of populated areas to bypass the 2015 regulations aimed at reducing sulphur emissions through flue-gas desulphurisation (FGD) systems. While 11% of plants near urban centers will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, the remaining 10% in major cities must comply by December 2027. This decision follows substantial investments by state-run NTPC, which has already spent around $4 billion on FGD installations. The Central Pollution Control Board's analysis reportedly influenced the decision, although the notification did not address potential impacts on the competitiveness or cost recovery for these power plants.
Published: Jul 12 2025, 5 pmeznews.inThe Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has released a preliminary report on the tragic crash of Air India flight AI-171, which occurred shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad on June 12, bound for London’s Gatwick Airport. The report details a catastrophic sequence of events within 90 seconds of take-off, where both engines shut down due to the inadvertent movement of fuel cutoff switches. One pilot was heard questioning the other about the shutdown, indicating potential technical issues. Families of the victims, including Yashpal Singh Vansdiya and Mukesh Maheswari, have expressed their anguish and called for accountability, demanding answers regarding the aircraft's pre-flight checks and preventive measures. The AAIB noted that despite attempts to restart the engines, the aircraft could not regain altitude and ultimately crashed into residential buildings, with the final distress call made just moments before the impact.
Published: Jul 12 2025, 5 pmeznews.inA World Gold Council (WGC) expert has warned that gold may face short-to-medium term pressure, citing historical trends that suggest potential downturns could be triggered by easing geopolitical risks, a stronger dollar, or reduced demand from central banks and retail investors. Ray Jia, WGC's Research Head for China, outlined three scenarios that could lead to a prolonged decline in gold prices: diminished central bank demand, increased competition from alternative assets, and a significant rise in gold supply. Despite recent fluctuations, including a 5.5% rise in Q2 2025, gold prices have softened compared to a 19% surge in Q1. As of July 12, 2025, spot gold was priced at $3,356.93 per ounce, reflecting a 27% increase since the start of the year. Jia emphasized that while gold's recent momentum has slowed, its role as a strategic asset remains vital amid rising global government debt and ongoing geopolitical tensions.
Published: Jul 12 2025, 5 pmeznews.inIn a significant move towards self-reliance in critical technologies, the Indian government has announced plans to produce rare earth magnets in Hyderabad. Union Minister for Coal and Mines, G. Kishan Reddy, stated that the Mining Ministry's NFTSM institute is collaborating with various industries to manufacture the necessary machinery, with a showcase of their capabilities expected within the next three to four months. This initiative comes in response to India's previous reliance on China for rare earth permanent magnets, which was disrupted when China imposed export controls in April 2024, leading to a global supply shortage. The government's commitment to ramping up production is further supported by the establishment of the National Critical Mineral Mission, approved in January 2025, with a budget of ₹16,300 crore and anticipated investments of ₹18,000 crore from Public Sector Undertakings.
Published: Jul 12 2025, 4 pmeznews.inAn Air India flight, AI171, tragically crashed into a building in Ahmedabad just 32 seconds after take-off on June 12, 2025, following a critical failure in fuel supply to both engines. A preliminary investigation revealed that the pilots were confused and unable to restore thrust in time after both engines' fuel cutoff switches were inadvertently activated. The sequence of events began with the aircraft's arrival from New Delhi at 11:17 IST, followed by a series of approvals for pushback and take-off. The flight took off at 13:38:39, reaching a maximum speed of 180 knots before both engines lost power moments later. Despite efforts to restart the engines, one pilot issued a distress call just before data recording ceased. Emergency services were dispatched shortly after the incident, highlighting the urgency of the situation. The investigation continues as authorities seek to understand the circumstances surrounding this devastating crash.
Published: Jul 12 2025, 4 pm
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