Air India Flight 171: Leaked Audio Deepens Mystery of Fatal Crash

On June 12, 2025, Air India Flight 171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, crashed 32 seconds after takeoff from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, killing 241 of 242 passengers and crew and 19 people on the ground. A preliminary report by India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) revealed that both fuel control switches were moved to the “cut-off” position seconds after liftoff, causing a dual-engine failure and a catastrophic descent. Now, a leaked 3-second cockpit voice recorder (CVR) clip, reportedly capturing First Officer Clive Kunder saying, “It feels wrong,” and alleging that the autopilot acted in contradiction to pilot commands mid-air, has intensified speculation about the crash’s cause. This article examines the leaked audio, its implications, and the ongoing investigation into one of India’s deadliest aviation disasters.

The Leaked Audio: Context and Content

The 3-second CVR clip, which surfaced on social media platforms and was reported by outlets like Al Jazeera and posts on X, allegedly captures First Officer Kunder’s voice during the critical moments after takeoff. The phrase “It feels wrong” is followed by a reference to the autopilot behaving contrary to pilot inputs. While the audio’s authenticity remains unverified by the AAIB, it aligns with the timeline of the crash, where confusion in the cockpit was evident. The previously reported CVR exchange, where Kunder asked Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, “Why did you cut off?” and Sabharwal replied, “I didn’t,” suggests a chaotic situation compounded by unexpected system behavior.

The claim that the autopilot acted against pilot commands is significant, as the Boeing 787’s autopilot system, integrated with the Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC) and flight management system (FMS), is designed to assist pilots during critical phases like takeoff but not to override deliberate inputs. The AAIB’s preliminary report, released July 8, 2025, did not mention autopilot malfunctions, focusing instead on the fuel switches’ movement. However, the leaked audio raises questions about whether an automation-related issue contributed to the cascade failure described in earlier reports.

The Role of the Autopilot

The Boeing 787’s autopilot, part of its advanced fly-by-wire system, is typically engaged after takeoff to stabilize climb and follow programmed flight paths. During the initial climb, First Officer Kunder, the pilot flying, would have been manually controlling the aircraft, with Captain Sabharwal monitoring systems. The autopilot could have been engaged seconds after liftoff, around the time the fuel switches were cut off (T+3s, 13:38:42 IST). If Kunder’s statement about the autopilot acting “in contradiction” is accurate, it suggests the system may have misinterpreted inputs or aircraft status, potentially exacerbating the crisis.

A 2019 incident involving an All Nippon Airways Boeing 787, cited by aviation analyst Mary Schiavo, offers a precedent. In that case, the FADEC misinterpreted the aircraft as being on the ground, triggering an automatic fuel shut-off during final approach. While the AAIB ruled out mechanical failure in Flight 171’s engines, a similar software glitch in the autopilot or FADEC could explain Kunder’s confusion and the rapid sequence of events. The 2018 FAA bulletin, noting disengaged locking mechanisms on Boeing 737 fuel switches (a design shared with the 787), further supports the possibility of a systemic issue, though Air India reported no such defects since 2023.

The Final Moments: A Cascade of Confusion

The leaked audio aligns with the 22-second timeline of the crash:

T+3s (13:38:42): Fuel control switches move to “CUTOFF,” starving both engines. Kunder says, “Why did you cut off?” Sabharwal responds, “I didn’t.” The leaked clip, with Kunder’s “It feels wrong,” likely occurs here, suggesting he sensed an anomaly, possibly in the aircraft’s response or autopilot behavior.

T+6s (13:38:45): The Ram Air Turbine (RAT) deploys, indicating total power loss. Head-Up Display (HUD) warnings blink off, signaling electrical failure. Kunder’s reference to the autopilot may reflect its failure to maintain climb or respond to manual corrections.

T+8s (13:38:47): The crew flips the switches back to “RUN.” Engine 1 begins relighting, but Engine 2 fails to recover. The autopilot, if engaged, would disengage automatically due to power loss, further complicating control.

T+16s (13:38:55): Sabharwal issues a “MAYDAY” call, reporting loss of thrust. The aircraft, at 625 feet, begins a fatal descent.

T+22s (13:39:01): The plane crashes into B.J. Medical College’s hostel, 1.5 km from the runway.

Kunder’s comment suggests he was grappling with an aircraft that felt unresponsive or erratic, possibly due to an autopilot glitch overriding or misinterpreting their inputs. The HUD’s failure, noted in earlier reports, would have left the crew reliant on backup instruments, amplifying panic in a low-altitude emergency.

Theories and Implications

The leaked audio fuels three primary theories, each with significant implications:

Autopilot Malfunction: If the autopilot acted contrary to commands, as Kunder allegedly claimed, a software or sensor error—possibly in the FADEC or Weight-on-Wheels (WoW) system—could have misread the aircraft’s state, triggering unintended actions like fuel cut-off. The 2019 ANA incident and the 2018 FAA bulletin lend credence to this theory. This would shift scrutiny to Boeing’s software and Air India’s maintenance, potentially prompting fleet-wide inspections.

Human Error Under Automation Confusion: Kunder’s “It feels wrong” could indicate he or Sabharwal inadvertently moved the fuel switches while troubleshooting an autopilot anomaly. The switches’ design, with spring-loaded locks, makes accidental activation unlikely, but a misinterpretation of autopilot behavior could have led to a fatal mistake. This highlights the need for better Crew Resource Management (CRM) training for automation-related emergencies.

Deliberate Action: Some reports, like The Wall Street Journal’s, suggest Sabharwal may have intentionally cut the fuel, citing his monitoring role and alleged history of depression. The leaked audio complicates this narrative, as Kunder’s focus on the autopilot suggests an external system issue, not deliberate sabotage. Indian pilot groups, including the Indian Commercial Pilots’ Association (ICPA), have condemned such speculation as “reckless,” citing the pilots’ professionalism.

Investigation Challenges and Public Reaction

The AAIB has not confirmed the leaked audio’s authenticity, and its tight control over CVR data has drawn criticism from pilot unions like ALPA India, who demand transparency. The lack of a cockpit video recorder, as noted by former NTSB official Peter Goelz, hinders efforts to identify who, if anyone, manipulated the switches. Jennifer Homendy, NTSB chairwoman, called media leaks “premature and speculative,” urging restraint until the final report in 2026.

Posts on X reflect public and expert frustration, with some users speculating about a “software glitch” akin to the ANA incident, while others question why no audible alarm sounded when the fuel switches were moved. The Indian Federation of Pilots (FIP) criticized the AAIB’s reliance on “selectively paraphrased” CVR snippets, arguing it fuels bias toward pilot error.

Broader Implications

The leaked audio underscores vulnerabilities in aviation automation. Modern aircraft like the 787 rely heavily on systems like FADEC and autopilot, but rare glitches can overwhelm even experienced crews. The crash has renewed calls for:

Cockpit Video Recorders: To provide visual evidence of pilot actions, as advocated by John Nance and the NTSB.

Enhanced Mental Health Screenings: Despite no evidence of suicidal intent, Sabharwal’s alleged medical history has prompted scrutiny of pilot psychological evaluations.

Software Audits: The ANA incident and the FAA’s 2018 bulletin highlight the need for rigorous testing of automated systems, especially WoW sensors and FADEC logic.

Air India’s fleet inspections found no issues, but the crash has dented its reputation amid Tata Group’s modernization efforts. Boeing and GE Aerospace face pressure to review 787 systems, though no safety directives have been issued.

Conclusion

The leaked 3-second clip, with Kunder’s “It feels wrong” and reference to autopilot misbehavior, adds a chilling dimension to the Air India Flight 171 investigation. It suggests a possible automation failure that compounded the fuel cut-off crisis, challenging the narrative of pilot error. As the AAIB, with NTSB and Boeing support, analyzes wreckage and data, the audio’s authenticity and implications remain critical. The tragedy, marked by whispers escalating to panic in 22 seconds, underscores the delicate balance between human judgment and automated systems in aviation. Until the final report clarifies these questions, Flight 171’s haunting last moments will continue to fuel debate and demand answers.