Fuel cutoff mystery: Italian report claims Air India crash may have been 'intentional'

The claim, published by Italian daily Corriere della Sera, has not been independently verified.

Indian aviation authorities have yet to issue their final conclusions, and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) continues its formal probe.

Italian report cites sources close to investigation

According to the Italian newspaper, which cited two sources familiar with discussions between Indian and US officials, investigators are examining whether one of the pilots may have deliberately switched off the engine fuel control switches shortly after take-off.

The report points to the absence of major technical defects and references analysis of cockpit voice recordings that allegedly identified which pilot handled specific controls.

However, no official confirmation has been provided, and aviation regulators have cautioned that findings remain subject to the outcome of the comprehensive investigation.

Tragic AI 171 crash

On June 12 last year, Air India Flight AI 171, en route from Ahmedabad to London, crashed shortly after take-off. The accident claimed the lives of more than 200 passengers and crew members, including 12 crew members.

Initial investigative efforts focused primarily on mechanical systems, maintenance history and cockpit procedures, without assigning responsibility.

In July 2025, India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) released a preliminary report referencing a critical cockpit exchange regarding an alleged fuel control cutoff.

According to the cockpit voice recording cited in the report, one pilot is heard asking, “Why did you cut off the fuel?” The other responds, “I did not do so.”

This exchange has now gained renewed attention in light of the Italian publication’s claims.

Spotlight on flight crew

Captain Sumeet Sabharwal was serving as pilot-in-command during the ill-fated flight, with First Officer Clive Kunder acting as co-pilot.

The Italian media report, as quoted by India Today, stated: “Responsibilities remain unclear: the main suspect is Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, who, as emerged a month after the crash, suffered from depression.”

These assertions have added a sensitive dimension to the investigation, particularly concerning pilot mental health and psychological screening.

AI 171's captain Sumeet Sabharwal (L) and first officer Clive Kunder (R). File photo

Pushkaraj Sabharwal, father of the late Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, has moved the Supreme Court seeking a judicial inquiry into the crash.

He strongly rejected suggestions that personal issues, including reported marital problems, had caused anxiety or depression that could have affected his son’s performance.

Mental health monitoring under review

According to Corriere della Sera, the final investigative report may include recommendations related to continuous psychological evaluation and mental health monitoring of commercial pilots.

Aviation experts have long debated the adequacy of mental health screening processes in the industry, especially after high-profile global incidents where pilot actions came under scrutiny.

For now, Indian aviation authorities have not endorsed the “intentional act” theory.

The DGCA’s final findings are awaited and will determine whether the crash resulted from mechanical failure, human error, or any deliberate action.

Awaiting official conclusions

While the Italian report has sparked widespread discussion, it remains unverified, and no official body has confirmed its claims.

The tragedy of AI 171 continues to weigh heavily on the families of the victims and the aviation community.

Until the DGCA and AAIB release their final assessments, questions surrounding the Ahmedabad crash — including the possibility of an intentional fuel cutoff — remain unresolved.