A preliminary report into the Air India crash that killed 260 people last month has revealed that the fuel control switches to the engines were moved from the “run” to the “cutoff” position moments before impact. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner, bound for London, crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad city, resulting in one of the deadliest aviation accidents in a decade.
According to the report issued by India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), the shift occurred three seconds after takeoff, causing the plane to lose thrust and sink down. The cockpit voice recording reveals a confusing exchange between the two pilots, with one asking, “Why did you cut off?” and the other responding, “I didn’t.” The report does not identify which pilot made which remark or who transmitted the “Mayday, Mayday, Mayday” call just before the crash.
The investigation is ongoing, with the AAIB stating that “at this stage of investigation, there are no recommended actions to Boeing 787-8 and/or GE GEnx-1B engine operators and manufacturers.” Air India has acknowledged the report and is cooperating with Indian authorities, while Boeing has not immediately responded to requests for comment.
The incident has raised questions about the safety of Boeing 787 Dreamliners, although the report highlights that the pilots were experienced and medically fit. A US aviation safety expert, John Cox, noted that it’s unlikely a pilot could accidentally move the fuel switches, saying, “You can’t bump them and they move.” The switches are typically used to turn off engines after arrival at the gate or in emergency situations, such as engine fires, but the report indicates no emergency required the cutoff.
The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) had issued an information bulletin in 2018 regarding a potential issue with the fuel control switch locking feature, but Air India did not carry out suggested inspections as they were advisory and not mandatory. The investigation will continue to examine additional evidence and determine the cause of the crash.
Key Findings:
- Fuel Control Switches: Moved to cutoff position moments before impact, causing engines to shut down
- Pilot Exchange: Confusing conversation between pilots about who cut off fuel supply
- No Emergency: Report indicates no emergency required engine cutoff
- Ongoing Investigation: AAIB continues to examine evidence and determine cause of crash
- No Recommended Actions: No immediate actions recommended for Boeing 787-8 or GE GEnx-1B engine operators and manufacturers
The sole survivor, Viswashkumar Ramesh, was seated near an emergency exit door. The plane crashed in a residential area, killing 19 people on the ground. The AAIB, an office under India’s Ministry of Civil Aviation, is leading the probe with assistance from US aviation authorities and Boeing.