Investigation Reveals Sudden Fuel Cut-Off Led to Air India Plane Crash: Key Findings

Air India Flight Crash: Preliminary Insights

In a heartbreaking event, an Air India flight crashed shortly after takeoff on June 12, killing at least 260 people. A recent report by India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) revealed some startling details.

The flight, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, faced a catastrophic failure just about 30 seconds after takeoff from Ahmedabad. Both pilots were unaware of a critical switch setting change. Moments before the aircraft went down, the fuel control switches moved from “run” to “cutoff.” This switch change cut off fuel to the engines, causing a loss of thrust.

A well-known aviation expert, Terry Tozer, called the switch change “bizarre.” He noted that when the pilots tried to switch back to “run,” it was too late. The altitude was too low, and the engines couldn’t recover fast enough.

Confusion in the cockpit was apparent. Just before the crash, one pilot asked why the fuel was cut off, and the other insisted he didn’t do it. Their communication failure highlights how chaotic emergencies can become.

The report reminded the public of the urgency of aviation safety. Incidents like this tap into crucial conversations about pilot training and communication. Recent statistics show that in the last decade, human error was a factor in over 70% of aviation accidents, underscoring the need for improved protocols and technologies.

Following the crash, Indian authorities ordered thorough checks of Air India’s entire Boeing 787 fleet, which consists of 33 aircraft. This proactive measure aims to prevent future tragedies and ensure passenger safety.

As investigations continue, aviation experts and authorities emphasize the importance of remaining calm and waiting for the final report before jumping to conclusions. Meanwhile, the love and support for the victims’ families remain paramount as we reflect on this tragic event.

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