Confusion In Cockpit Led To Air India Crash Seconds After Takeoff: Probe

In a tragic incident on 12 June, an Air India Boeing 787-8 aircraft crashed just 34 seconds after takeoff from Ahmedabad, with investigators now revealing that both engine fuel control switches were turned off within three seconds of liftoff.

The preliminary report was released by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) on Saturday. It provides the first insight into the chain of events that caused the fatal crash.

According to the findings, both switches that control fuel flow to the engines of Flight AI 171 were moved to the ‘CUTOFF’ position. They were turned off in rapid succession. This effectively shut down both engines mid-air.

Cockpit voice recordings captured a moment of confusion between the pilots. One asked, “Why did you cut off?” to which the other replied, “I did not do so.”

The report stated that efforts were made to restart the engines. Both fuel switches were returned to ‘RUN’, and a rise in exhaust gas temperatures (EGTs) indicated an attempted relight. However, the aircraft lost power too quickly.

The co-pilot, Clive Kundar, was handling the controls, while Captain Sumeet Sabharwal served as the monitoring pilot. Sabharwal had around 8,600 flying hours on the Boeing 787. Kundar had logged over 1,100 hours on the same aircraft type.

Both pilots were confirmed to have had sufficient rest prior to the flight.

The 15-page report confirmed that the flight lasted roughly 30 seconds from lift-off to impact.

No technical recommendations have been issued yet for Boeing 787-8 operators or for the GE GEnx-1B engines used on the aircraft.

FAA advisory ignored

The report also referenced a 2018 bulletin from the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). It warned about potential issues with the locking mechanism of fuel control switches.

However, since the bulletin was advisory and not mandatory, Air India did not act on it.

The aircraft had otherwise complied with all mandatory airworthiness and service bulletins.

There were no weather complications at the time of takeoff, and the aircraft’s weight was well within acceptable limits.

“Investigation is continuing and the investigation team will review and examine additional evidence, records and information that is being sought from the stakeholders,” the report noted.

Air India, responding to the report’s release on the social media platform, expressed deep sorrow.

Taking to X, Air India posted, “We continue to mourn the loss and are fully committed to providing support during this difficult time. Air India is working closely with stakeholders, including regulators.”

The crash resulted in the deaths of nearly 270 people, including 241 of the 242 people onboard and several individuals on the ground.

Also Read: Prime Minister Narendra Modi To Virtually Distribute 51,000+ Appointment Letters In 16th Rozgar Mela Drive