A preliminary report regarding last month's deadly Air India crash indicates a shocking turn of events in the moments following takeoff. The investigation reveals that the engine fuel cutoff switches were flipped to the "CUT OFF" position just three seconds after the Boeing 787 Dreamliner departed from Ahmedabad Airport on June 12. The flight, bound for Gatwick, tragically crashed into a residential area, resulting in the deaths of 260 people, including 241 passengers and crew, and at least 19 individuals on the ground. There was only one survivor from the flight.
The preliminary report, which is required to be filed within 30 days of a crash by the International Civil Aviation Organisation, highlights that the fuel supply to both engines was abruptly cut off. Specifically, the report states that "Engine 1 and Engine 2 fuel cutoff switches transitioned from RUN to CUTOFF position one after another with a time gap of one second". This action starved the engines of fuel, causing them to lose thrust and the aircraft to begin sinking.
Recordings from the cockpit reveal a tense exchange between the pilots, with one pilot questioning the other about initiating the fuel cutoff. The other pilot responded, denying any involvement. Subsequently, the fuel supply was restored to both engines, and they were successfully restarted. Engine 1 managed to recover and reverse the deceleration caused by the cutoff. However, while Engine 2 restarted, it failed to regain stable thrust. Despite repeated attempts to increase power by reintroducing fuel, the engine's core continued to lose speed, hindering its ability to return to normal performance. The pilot then transmitted a "MAYDAY MAYDAY MAYDAY" call, with the cockpit recording ending six seconds later.
The incident has raised serious questions about the circumstances surrounding the fuel cutoff. While the investigation is ongoing, the preliminary report suggests the possibility of human error or a mechanical malfunction. The report also indicated that there were no significant faults with the plane. The focus remains on understanding why the fuel cutoff switches were activated and whether it was intentional or accidental.
