A preliminary report into the Air India crash that occurred last month, killing 260 people, has revealed that the plane's fuel control switches were moved to the cut-off position shortly after takeoff. The London-bound Boeing 787 Dreamliner crashed moments after taking off from Ahmedabad, India.

The report, released by India's Air Accident Investigation Bureau, indicates that both fuel control switches, which are used to shut off the engines, were moved from the "run" position to "cutoff" just three seconds after takeoff. According to cockpit voice recordings, one pilot asked the other why they had activated the switches, with the other pilot responding that he did not do so. The switches were then returned to the "run" position, but the aircraft had already begun to lose thrust and altitude. While both engines appeared to relight, only one was able to generate thrust.

The investigation is focusing on the movement of the engine fuel control switches after analyzing the 787's flight and voice data recorders, as well as a simulation by Boeing of the aircraft's final moments. The probe has not raised any immediate concerns about mechanical failure. There has been no bulletin to airlines recommending changes to 787 operations.

Aviation experts note that it would be impossible to accidentally move the fuel switches. According to US aviation safety expert John Cox, the effect of shutting off a switch would be almost immediate, cutting off engine power.

The report does not draw any conclusions about why the switches were flipped but suggests that investigators are focused on the actions of the plane's pilots. The report does not present any evidence of mechanical failures or a possible bird strike, which could have incapacitated both engines.

The Air India crash is the world's deadliest aviation accident in a decade.