Fuel to the Air India plane that crashed shortly after takeoff was cut off suddenly, a preliminary report reveals. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner was just leaving Ahmedabad airport on June 12 when both engines lost thrust, resulting in the tragic loss of 260 lives. Miraculously, one passenger survived.
The investigation by India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is ongoing, and a detailed report is expected in about a year. Initial findings suggest that both fuel control switches moved to the ‘cutoff’ position just seconds after takeoff. This switch is typically only turned off after landing or in emergencies, not during takeoff.
Cockpit recordings reveal confusion among the pilots. One asked why the fuel was shut off, to which the other replied he hadn’t done it. Eventually, the switches reset to their normal positions, allowing one engine to regain thrust, but it wasn’t enough to reverse the plane’s rapid descent. Just before impact, the crew issued a mayday call.
While experts initially speculated that birds might have caused the crash, the report found “no significant bird activity” near the flight path. Both pilots had rested adequately before the flight, and there are currently no recommended actions for operators of the Boeing 787 or its engines, according to the report.
Previous FAA advisories had highlighted similar issues in Boeing 737 models regarding fuel control switches, but the situation was not deemed severe enough to require mandatory inspections.
Air India has stated that they are cooperating fully with the investigation. Boeing and the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board also pledged support in the ongoing probe.
This incident marks the first fatal crash of a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner since its debut in 2011. The Enhanced Airborne Flight Recorders from the wreck were recovered quickly, providing vital data for investigators.
This tragedy has raised questions about aviation safety in India. Following the accident, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) conducted enhanced safety checks on Air India’s Dreamliners, finding no major issues. However, recent reports have pointed to maintenance oversights in the aviation sector.
In a more positive context, data shows that India’s aviation safety record has been better than the global average from 2010 to 2024, barring two years when major accidents occurred. This crash could lead to increased scrutiny and improvements in aviation safety protocols.
For more details on aviation regulations and safety measures, visit the FAA’s official page.
