On June 12, 2025, a catastrophic aviation disaster shook the world when Air India Flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, crashed just 30 seconds after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad, India, en route to Gatwick Airport, London. The tragedy claimed the lives of 241 of the 242 people on board and at least 19 people on the ground, marking it as one of the deadliest aviation accidents in recent decades. A 30-second audio clip, allegedly leaked from the aircraft’s black box, has captured global attention, revealing the pilot’s frantic shouts about an “unidentified system failure,” a small explosion, and a cryptic whisper: “They did it.” These chilling details have sparked intense debates among aviation experts, investigators, and the public about the true cause of the crash. Was it a technical malfunction, human error, or evidence of a larger conspiracy? This article delves into the incident, its context, hypotheses, and the profound implications for the aviation industry.

Background of the Incident

Flight AI171 took off at 13:38 local time (IST) from Ahmedabad, carrying 230 passengers and 12 crew members, including Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, a seasoned pilot with over 8,000 flight hours, and First Officer Clive Kundar. The passenger manifest included 169 Indian citizens, 53 British citizens, 7 Portuguese citizens, and 1 Canadian citizen. The aircraft reached an altitude of approximately 650 feet (200 meters) before rapidly losing height and crashing into the Meghani Nagar residential area, striking the hostel of B.J. Medical College and Civil Hospital. The impact triggered multiple explosions and a massive fireball, killing at least 19 people on the ground, including medical students, and injuring over 60 others.

Both black boxes—the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) and Flight Data Recorder (FDR)—were recovered from the wreckage on June 13 and 16. However, before investigators could release official findings, a 30-second segment of the CVR, purportedly leaked, surfaced on social media, sparking widespread controversy and speculation. This recording, though not yet officially authenticated, has become the focal point of global attention.

Contents of the Leaked Recording

The 30-second audio clip, allegedly from the cockpit of Flight AI171, begins with the urgent ringing of cockpit alarms, signaling a critical issue. Captain Sumeet Sabharwal’s panicked voice is heard shouting, “Unidentified system failure! The control system isn’t responding!” His tone conveys extreme distress, as if confronting an unprecedented situation. Seconds later, a small explosion, possibly from an electrical surge or mechanical failure, is recorded. This is followed by an eerie silence, broken only by a mysterious whisper—unclear whether it belongs to the captain, first officer, or another crew member—saying, “They did it.” The whisper, delivered in a low, cryptic tone, has fueled widespread speculation. The recording ends with the chaotic sounds of rushing wind, metal collisions, and other noises, indicating the aircraft’s complete loss of control before impact.

The details in the recording have raised critical questions: What was the “unidentified system failure”? Was the small explosion related to a technical issue or an external act? Most crucially, what does “They did it” mean, and who are “they”? These questions have ignited heated discussions on online platforms like X and in professional aviation circles.

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Aviation Investigation Agencies

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) of India, supported by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and Boeing experts, launched a comprehensive investigation. The AAIB warned that the leaked recording could distort the investigation process and cause public panic. They confirmed, however, that both black boxes were recovered, with FDR data successfully retrieved by June 25. A preliminary report released on July 12, 2025, revealed that the engine fuel control switches had moved from the “RUN” to “CUTOFF” position just three seconds after takeoff, resulting in a complete loss of thrust in both engines. The report did not conclusively determine why the switches were moved or whether it was intentional or accidental.

Air India and Boeing

Air India, now owned by the Tata Group following its privatization in 2022, pledged full cooperation with investigators. Tata Group Chairman N. Chandrasekaran described the crash as “the most heartbreaking crisis” of his career and vowed transparency in the investigation’s findings. Air India announced compensation of 1 crore rupee (approximately £86,000) for the families of each victim and covered medical expenses for the injured. Boeing, the manufacturer of the 787, stated it is adhering to International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) protocols and assisting the AAIB. They emphasized the 787’s strong safety record, noting this was the first fatal crash involving the model since its debut in 2011.

Public and Media

The leaked recording triggered a firestorm on social media, particularly on X, where users speculated about sabotage or a larger conspiracy, with some linking the incident to prior terrorist threats against Air India. Posts on X referenced warnings from a figure named Pannu, who allegedly threatened Air India months before the crash. However, investigators have stressed there is no concrete evidence supporting such claims. Major media outlets, including CNN, BBC, and Reuters, extensively covered the story, with headlines like “Mystery Behind the Air India Black Box Recording” and “Is There a Conspiracy in the AI171 Crash?”

Hypotheses on the Cause

Based on the leaked recording and preliminary findings, several hypotheses have emerged:

1. Technical Failure

The AAIB’s preliminary report indicated that the fuel control switches were moved to “CUTOFF,” cutting off fuel to both engines. This could stem from a technical issue in the fuel control system or an undetected mechanical fault. However, the Boeing 787’s sophisticated backup systems make a simple technical failure seem unlikely. Some experts have questioned Air India’s maintenance practices, particularly after the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) found that the airline failed to perform recommended fuel switch inspections outlined in a 2019 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) advisory.

2. Human Error

The recording includes one pilot asking, “Why did you cut the fuel?” and the other responding, “I didn’t do it.” This suggests the possibility that one pilot inadvertently or intentionally moved the fuel control switches to “CUTOFF.” Given the extensive experience of Captain Sabharwal and First Officer Kundar, however, this hypothesis is contentious. Training protocols and cockpit procedures typically prevent such errors, but high-stress situations could lead to miscommunication or mistakes.

3. Sabotage or Cyberattack

The cryptic phrase “They did it” and the small explosion have fueled speculation about sabotage, possibly through a physical act (e.g., a small explosive device) or a cyberattack. Modern aircraft rely heavily on software and networked systems, raising concerns about vulnerabilities to hacking. Some online theories link the crash to geopolitical tensions or terrorist threats, though no evidence substantiates these claims. The AAIB has not ruled out external interference but is awaiting further analysis of the FDR and CVR.

4. Psychological or Contextual Misinterpretation

Some analysts suggest the phrase “They did it” could reflect a moment of panic or confusion, unrelated to the crash’s cause. It might have been an emotional outburst or a reference to an unrelated event. However, the professional demeanor expected of seasoned pilots makes this less likely.

Impact on the Aviation Industry

The AI171 crash and the leaked recording have had far-reaching consequences for the aviation industry. Public confidence in the Boeing 787 has been shaken, with many passengers expressing reluctance to fly on this model. Air India’s reputation, already strained by past financial and operational challenges, faces further scrutiny over its maintenance and safety protocols. The leak of sensitive black box data has prompted calls for stricter regulations on the handling of such information to prevent future breaches.

The incident has also intensified demands for transparency and accountability. Families of the victims, supported by advocacy groups, are pressing for swift answers, while the Indian government has vowed to expedite the investigation. Globally, the crash has reignited debates about the safety of automated flight systems and the need for enhanced cybersecurity measures in aviation.

Conclusion

The 30-second audio clip from the black box of Air India Flight AI171 has opened a Pandora’s box of questions, blending technical, human, and conspiratorial elements. As investigators piece together data from the FDR and CVR, the world awaits clarity on whether this was a tragic accident or something more sinister. The phrase “They did it” lingers as a haunting enigma, challenging our understanding of aviation safety and security. Only a thorough and transparent investigation will uncover the truth behind this devastating disaster.