Boeing Breathes Easy For Now, But AI171 Crash Leaves A Trail Of Uncomfortable Questions!

The tragic crash of Air India Flight 171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, on June 12, 2025, initially triggered global alarm over the safety of Boeing’s aircraft, evoking chilling memories of the 737 MAX debacle. However, a preliminary report by India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) appears to shift attention away from mechanical failure and toward pilot actions. According to the report, both fuel control switches were inexplicably moved from the “RUN” to the “CUTOFF” position seconds after takeoff—starving both engines of fuel. While the switches were reversed a few seconds later, it was too late; the aircraft had neither the altitude nor time to recover. A cockpit voice recording suggests confusion between the two pilots, with one asking the other why the cutoff was triggered—only to receive a denial in return. Though Boeing has avoided direct blame, this development is hardly a clean slate. Many industry observers remain unconvinced that the case is closed, citing concerns ranging from switch design and hardware reliability to regulatory oversight and Boeing’s history with the 737 MAX. Below are four key reasons why Boeing may not be entirely out of the woods.