Air India: A preliminary investigation report released within the past 24 hours has shed new light on the tragic Air India flight AI-171 crash that occurred in Ahmedabad. The findings point to a critical issue involving the aircraft’s engine fuel switches. Below are the main takeaways from credible sources such as Reuters, The Guardian, Al Jazeera, and Economic Times.
Fuel Switches Turned Off Seconds After Takeoff
According to Reuters and ABC News, the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) found that both engine fuel supply switches were moved from “RUN” to “CUTOFF” just seconds after takeoff. This sudden fuel cutoff meant that both engines stopped receiving fuel, which led to complete power loss midair. Investigators have not yet concluded whether this was due to human error or a mechanical fault, but the act of moving both switches simultaneously is highly unusual.
Cockpit Voice Recorder Reveals Pilot Confusion
The cockpit voice recorder captured tense moments between the pilots. As reported by The Guardian, Captain Sumeet Sabharwal is heard asking, “Why did you cut off…?” to which First Officer Clive Kunder replied, “I didn’t.” This exchange hints at confusion or possible miscommunication between the crew members. The black box data suggests that the fuel switches may have been unintentionally moved, although further investigation is needed to confirm this.
One Engine Restarted – But Too Late
Al Jazeera and Wikipedia reports indicate that pilots were able to partially restart Engine-1 shortly before impact. However, Engine-2 could not be revived in time. The aircraft lost altitude rapidly and crashed near Ahmedabad airport, resulting in the death of 260 people onboard. The report emphasizes that had both engines restarted successfully, the outcome might have been very different.
No Signs of Bird Strike or Sabotage
The preliminary findings make it clear that no bird strike, sabotage, or external interference has been detected. According to The Economic Times, the crash appears to be the result of either human error or a system malfunction. Authorities have ruled out foul play, which shifts the investigation’s focus more toward crew actions and equipment behavior during takeoff.
Air India Responds: Full Cooperation Promised
Air India has issued a statement expressing sorrow for the tragedy and reaffirming its commitment to fully cooperate with the investigation. However, the airline refrained from commenting on the technical details of the report until the final version is released. Safety experts say this cautious approach is standard in ongoing investigations.
Conclusion: Awaiting Final Report for Full Clarity
While the preliminary report offers valuable insights, the complete investigation is still in progress. The final report is expected to provide a clearer picture of the sequence of events, identify potential flaws in procedures or systems, and recommend changes to prevent similar incidents. Until then, the aviation industry watches closely as one of India’s most tragic air disasters continues to unfold.
