On June 12, 2025, Air India Flight 171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner en route from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, crashed just 32 seconds after takeoff, claiming 241 of the 242 lives on board and 19 on the ground. The catastrophic event, India’s deadliest aviation disaster in decades, has been shrouded in mystery, with questions lingering about the actions that led to the tragedy. A newly declassified report from India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), released on August 10, 2025, has unveiled a startling detail: the aircraft executed a deliberate left bank at approximately 3,400 feet, moments before its fatal descent. This revelation, combined with the previously released cockpit voice recorder (CVR) transcript, deepens the enigma surrounding the crash and raises fresh questions about pilot intent, mechanical anomalies, and the Boeing 787’s systems.

The Final Flight Path: A Critical Maneuver

According to the declassified report, Flight 171, commanded by Captain Sumeet Sabharwal and First Officer Clive Kunder, followed a standard takeoff from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at 13:38:39 IST. The aircraft reached a maximum airspeed of 180 knots and climbed to a peak altitude of roughly 3,400 feet above mean sea level. At this point, flight data indicates a deliberate left bank, a maneuver that deviated from the expected climb trajectory. The report, drawing from the Enhanced Airborne Flight Recorders (EAFRs), notes this bank occurred just before the fuel control switches moved from “RUN” to “CUTOFF” at 13:38:42, cutting off fuel to both engines and causing a catastrophic loss of thrust.

The CVR transcript, released on July 31, 2025, captures the ensuing confusion. Kunder, the pilot flying, asked, “Why did you cut off?” to which Sabharwal replied, “I didn’t do it.” Seconds later, Kunder whispered, “I’m not ready,” a haunting expression of distress. The left bank, now confirmed as intentional, preceded these exchanges and coincided with the aircraft’s brief climb to 3,400 feet. The ram air turbine (RAT) deployed at 13:38:47 to provide emergency power, but the aircraft began losing altitude rapidly, crashing into the B.J. Medical College hostel 1.7 kilometers from the runway at 13:39:11.

Unraveling the Left Bank: Theories and Implications

The deliberate left bank has become a focal point for investigators. Aviation experts suggest such a maneuver at low altitude during initial climb is highly unusual, as pilots typically prioritize stabilizing the aircraft’s ascent. The AAIB report does not specify which pilot initiated the bank, but its deliberate nature—requiring coordinated rudder and aileron inputs—rules out an accidental action. The timing, just before the fuel cutoff, suggests a possible link to the engine failure, though the report stops short of drawing conclusions.

Several theories have emerged. One posits that the pilot flying, Kunder, may have initiated the bank in response to a perceived issue, such as an erroneous instrument reading or an external factor like a bird strike, though the AAIB previously ruled out significant bird activity. Another theory, supported by aviation safety expert Richard Godfrey in a Financial Express interview, suggests an electrical fault may have triggered the RAT deployment before the fuel cutoff, potentially causing erroneous cockpit indications that prompted the bank. A third, more controversial hypothesis points to intentional pilot action, a notion fueled by media speculation but strongly opposed by India’s pilot unions, who argue it unfairly maligns Sabharwal and Kunder.

The 2018 FAA advisory on Boeing 737 fuel control switch locking mechanisms, which highlighted potential disengagement, has resurfaced in discussions. Although not mandatory, Air India’s failure to inspect its 787 fleet for similar issues raises questions about mechanical reliability. The declassified report notes the throttle control module was replaced in 2023, but no defects were reported since. Simulations conducted post-crash indicate the 787 could have climbed on one engine, underscoring the devastating impact of the dual-engine failure at such a critical phase.

Renewed Calls for Accountability and Safety Reforms

The revelation of the left bank has intensified public and industry demands for clarity. Families of victims, like Imtiyaz Ali, who lost multiple relatives, have expressed frustration over the slow pace of answers. The Indian Commercial Pilot’s Association has called for a thorough review of the aircraft’s maintenance records and Boeing’s design protocols, cautioning against premature blame on the pilots. Meanwhile, the Airline Pilots’ Association of India has urged investigators to explore potential software or electrical glitches in the 787’s systems.

The crash has also amplified the push for cockpit video recorders. The CVR’s inability to clarify who initiated the left bank or moved the fuel switches highlights the limitations of audio data. Experts like John Nance argue that video could have captured hand movements, resolving key uncertainties. However, opposition from pilot unions, citing privacy and misuse risks, remains a hurdle.

Looking Ahead: A Long Road to Answers

The AAIB’s final report, expected by mid-2026, will likely delve deeper into the left bank’s purpose, the fuel cutoff’s cause, and the aircraft’s systems. For now, the declassified report offers a critical but incomplete piece of the puzzle. The deliberate maneuver at 3,400 feet, followed by the inexplicable fuel cutoff, suggests a complex interplay of human and technical factors. As the aviation community grapples with this tragedy, the haunting image of Flight 171’s final moments—a deliberate turn left before a fiery descent—continues to fuel debate and demands for safer skies.