A preliminary investigation into the Air India Flight AI-171 crash reveals that a faulty locking mechanism caused the pilot’s seat to slide backward during takeoff, unintentionally pulling the throttle to idle seconds after liftoff.
This sudden loss of engine thrust left the co-pilot struggling to regain control, resulting in the Boeing 787 losing lift and crashing into a nearby building. The disaster claimed 270 lives, including passengers, crew, and people on the ground.
Only one British passenger survived, while over 40 others sustained injuries.
Investigators identified missing emergency commands and inadequate safety features in the throttle system. In response, the FAA and EASA have ordered urgent inspections of pilot seats. Air India grounded 12 aircraft, and Boeing plans to redesign the seat by 2026.
The final report is expected in July 2025, with authorities vowing major safety reforms to prevent such tragedies in the future.
