Air India AI-171 Crash: Investigators Probe 2020 Gatwick Engine Failure for Clues

✈️ Air India AI-171 Crash: Investigators Probe 2020 Gatwick Engine Failure for Clues

🛑 Air India AI-171 Crash Under Investigation – Investigators Turn to 2020 Gatwick Incident

In the wake of the tragic crash of Air India flight AI-171 from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick on June 12, 2025, investigators are probing a similar engine failure incident that occurred five years ago at Gatwick Airport. The focus is now on possible fuel system contamination—a cause that had been flagged during the 2020 Airbus A321 emergency.

Flight: AI-171, Air India
Route: Ahmedabad to London Gatwick
Date: June 12, 2025
Aircraft: Type not yet publicly confirmed
Status: Crashed shortly after takeoff, significant wreckage found near runway outskirts

While the exact reason behind the crash is yet to be officially confirmed, early evidence suggests a power failure mid-air. Investigators say that the plane may have suffered a dual engine failure similar to what happened at Gatwick in 2020.

🧠 Why Investigators Are Revisiting Gatwick 2020

In February 2020, an Airbus A321 at London Gatwick suffered a dual engine failure just after takeoff. The pilot made a Mayday call and returned to Gatwick Airport within 11 minutes. That incident was investigated by the UK Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB), which found fuel contamination to be the root cause—despite no technical faults being reported pre-flight.

Now, the same AAIB team is assisting in the AI-171 probe in Ahmedabad, raising questions about whether similar fuel contamination or systemic failure could have struck AI-171.

🧰 Investigation Status – Black Boxes Recovered, But Damaged

According to sources close to the probe:

Both black boxes (Flight Data Recorder and Cockpit Voice Recorder) and the Digital Video Recorder (DVR) have been recovered
However, the devices were damaged, and data extraction is expected to be complex
The technical logs of AI-171 from the past 24 hours are being thoroughly examined

Officials said "power failure is visibly evident from wreckage analysis", but the exact nature—whether it stemmed from mechanical, electrical, or fuel-related issues—is still under investigation.

🧪 Technical Logs & Maintenance Records Under Scrutiny

Investigators are leaving no stone unturned. A minute-by-minute timeline of AI-171’s last 24 hours—including fuel loading, pre-flight checks, and past maintenance records—is being reviewed. Special focus is being placed on:

Fuel supply chain and storage conditions
Last-minute refueling and sample testing
Reported snags or irregularities before takeoff
Crew statements and ATC communication logs

This detailed evaluation is essential to determine whether AI-171 suffered an avoidable mechanical failure or whether the issue was a hidden systemic flaw, as seen in the Gatwick case.

🌐 International Collaboration & Aviation Safety

The involvement of UK’s AAIB in the Ahmedabad investigation signifies the global implications of modern aviation safety. With international flights and shared aircraft technology, incidents in one part of the world often provide critical learning opportunities elsewhere.

In light of this crash, regulators may soon re-evaluate:

Fuel quality monitoring standards
Pre-flight inspection protocols
Engine failure response systems
Maintenance and reporting transparency among airlines

🕯️ A Tragic Reminder of Aviation's Fragility

As the families of passengers await answers, this crash reminds us of how interconnected and vulnerable aviation systems can be. It also highlights the importance of robust post-incident investigations that not only identify what went wrong—but prevent future tragedies.

📌 Conclusion: Is History Repeating Itself?

The link between the Air India AI-171 crash and the 2020 Gatwick Airbus A321 incident may or may not be direct—but both point to critical gaps in detection and response to engine malfunction. As investigators dig deeper, the aviation community watches closely—hoping the tragedy will lead to stronger safeguards and more accountability.

⚠️ Disclaimer:

This article is AI-generated for educational and informational purposes. All facts are based on publicly available news reports. Please refer to official updates from DGCA India, MoCA, and the AAIB for verified information.

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