Investigation into India Plane Crash Shows Pilots Were Unaware of Fatal Fuel Cutoff Moments Before Impact
India Plane crash . A preliminary investigation has revealed that fuel to both engines of an Air India aircraft was cut off just moments before the tragic India plane crash last month. The crash claimed the lives of at least 260 people in Ahmedabad, making it one of the country’s deadliest aviation disasters.
According to the report released by India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) on Saturday, the fuel control switches on the Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner shifted from the “RUN” position to “CUTOFF,” starving the engines of fuel shortly after takeoff.
India Plane crash . The report indicated that both pilots appeared confused about the sudden switch, leading to a catastrophic loss of engine thrust. The doomed flight was in the air for just about 30 seconds before it crashed on June 12, leaving only one passenger alive.
The aircraft was carrying 230 passengers including 169 Indians, 53 British nationals, seven Portuguese citizens, and one Canadian alongside 12 crew members. Nineteen people on the ground also perished.
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The findings noted that after the plane reached its peak speed, both engine fuel switches moved to CUTOFF within a second. Although the switches were returned to the RUN position shortly after, the aircraft was unable to regain altitude in time to prevent the fatal descent.
A desperate “MAYDAY MAYDAY MAYDAY” call was transmitted by one of the pilots moments before the impact. The cockpit voice recorder also captured a tense exchange between the pilots, with one questioning why the fuel was cut off and the other denying responsibility.
The AAIB’s preliminary report did not issue any immediate recommendations to Boeing. In response, Air India stated its full cooperation with the ongoing investigation and reaffirmed its commitment to aviation safety.
In the wake of the disaster, Indian aviation authorities mandated thorough inspections of Air India’s entire fleet of Boeing 787 Dreamliners to avoid similar incidents in the future.
