New Delhi: A preliminary investigation into the deadly Air India crash has revealed critical cockpit confusion involving the aircraft’s engine fuel cutoff switches, which were reportedly turned off almost simultaneously shortly after takeoff, causing both engines to lose power.
The incident involved a Boeing 787 Dreamliner that crashed shortly after departure, tragically killing 260 people on board. Investigators found that the near-simultaneous cutoff starved both engines of fuel, leading to a catastrophic loss of thrust.
According to the report, cockpit voice recordings captured one pilot asking why the fuel was cut off, while the other denied initiating the action, underscoring serious communication issues during the emergency.
Despite these findings, the investigation so far has found no fault with Boeing or General Electric (GE), the aircraft’s manufacturer and engine supplier respectively. The technical systems performed as designed, shifting focus onto human factors and cockpit procedures.
The crash comes as a significant setback to Air India’s efforts to rebuild its reputation under new management. The airline has been investing in fleet upgrades and service improvements to win back public confidence.
The probe is ongoing, with authorities in India working closely with U.S. investigators to analyze flight data, cockpit recordings, and crew training protocols in detail. Officials say further updates will be released as the investigation progresses.
