Following the Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad, veteran pilot and Wing Commander Sharath Panicker has publicly stated that pilot error is unlikely to be the primary cause of the incident. This assertion follows the release of the initial report by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB). Panicker's assessment offers a contrasting perspective, especially considering the AAIB report's details regarding the unexpected shut-off of engine fuel control switches shortly after takeoff.
Panicker emphasizes that during a normal takeoff procedure, neither pilot would have their hands near the fuel control switches. The pilot flying, in this instance the first officer, would have both hands on the control column after initiating the takeoff roll. The pilot monitoring, the pilot in command, would typically have their right hand on the thrust levers, monitoring the takeoff. Therefore, Panicker believes it is improbable that either pilot inadvertently switched off the fuel.
According to Panicker, the standard operating procedure dictates that pilots would only engage with fuel control switches in the event of an engine failure at or after V1 speed, or if an engine fire occurs. In such scenarios, pilots are trained to climb to a safe altitude, typically above 400 feet, stabilize the aircraft, engage the autopilot, and then execute memory items, which might include securing a failed engine. This involves a series of deliberate actions: identifying the correct thrust lever, confirming it with the other pilot, moving it to the idle position, and then, with confirmation, switching the fuel control switch from "run" to "cutoff". The final step would be to pull the fire switch. Panicker highlights that this entire process is not something that can be done within a second.
The AAIB report indicates that the fuel control switches transitioned to the cutoff position within one second, a timeframe Panicker deems "not humanly possible". Further, the report indicates that when pilots attempted to switch the fuel control switches, it took them 4 seconds. This discrepancy raises questions about the actual cause of the engine shutdowns. Panicker suggests considering other potential factors, such as a mechanical defect, electrical fault, or software malfunction.
Panicker also points to the enhanced and advanced flight data recorder, which should contain precise data on the position of all switches in the cockpit at the time of the incident. He believes the AAIB should be able to definitively determine the position of the switches and clarify what triggered the transition.
Panicker stated that since the beginning he has been emphasizing that it looked like an electrical software glitch that resulted in a miscommand. He also believes that there needs to be precautionary safety guidelines put in place even before the aircraft is at 400 feet.
