A preliminary report into the Air India plane crash that occurred last month indicates that the fuel supply to the engines was cut off shortly after takeoff. The report, issued by India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), reveals that the fuel control switches in the cockpit of the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner moved to the "CUTOFF" position.

The Air India flight AI171, bound for London Gatwick, crashed in a residential area of Ahmedabad on June 12, killing 260 people, including 241 on board and 19 on the ground. Only one passenger survived the crash. The aircraft crashed into a hostel complex at Byramjee Jeejeebhoy Medical College.

According to the AAIB's 15-page report, the engine 1 and engine 2 fuel cutoff switches transitioned from the 'RUN' to 'CUTOFF' position with a one-second gap between them. This action caused the engine speed (N1 and N2) to decrease from their takeoff values as the fuel supply was cut off.

Adding to the mystery, cockpit voice recordings captured a conversation between the pilots regarding the fuel controls. One pilot is heard asking the other why he cut off the fuel supply, to which the other responded that he did not. The report does not specify which pilot made each comment or who issued the "Mayday, Mayday, Mayday" call moments before the crash. Both pilots were experienced, with approximately 19,000 flying hours between them, including over 9,000 on the 787.

Following the fuel cutoff, the switches were moved back to the 'RUN' position, and the engines attempted to restart before the jet crashed at a low altitude. Engine 1 managed to restart and began to recover, reversing the deceleration, but Engine 2 could not regain stable thrust despite attempts to reintroduce fuel. The aircraft was destroyed upon impact with buildings and subsequent fire. The flight lasted approximately 30 seconds from takeoff to crash.

The AAIB has stated that there are no recommended actions for Boeing 787-8 and/or GE GEnx-1B engine operators and manufacturers at this stage of the investigation. Fuel samples from the bowsers and tanks used to refuel the aircraft were tested and found satisfactory. However, limited fuel was recovered from the APU filter and refuel/jettison valve on the left wing, and these samples will undergo further testing.

The investigation is ongoing, and a full report is expected within a year of the accident, as per international regulations. Experts are analyzing black box data and other evidence to determine the cause of the sudden power loss. Air India has expressed solidarity with the affected families and is cooperating with regulators and stakeholders in the investigation.