Air India Crash Report: Pilot Confusion Led to Engines’ Fuel Switches on ‘Cutoff’
Dubai: A preliminary report released by India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) on July 12, 2025, sheds light on the tragic Air India plane crash that occurred last month, claiming 260 lives.
The investigation revealed that the engine fuel cutoff switches were found in the ‘cutoff’ position just after takeoff, leading to a loss of thrust and a subsequent descent of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner.
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The aircraft, which was en route from Ahmedabad to London, experienced critical cockpit confusion moments before the crash. According to the cockpit voice recorder, one pilot questioned why the fuel had been cut off, while the other insisted he did not make the change.
The report did not clarify which pilot made the statements, nor did it identify the pilot who declared “Mayday” just before the incident.
Experts noted that fuel switches are not typically moved accidentally during flight, raising questions about the circumstances surrounding their activation.
The report indicated that both switches had flipped to ‘cutoff’ almost simultaneously, a situation that is usually reserved for shutting down engines upon landing or in emergencies.
The crash, which occurred shortly after takeoff, has prompted scrutiny of Air India’s operational practices, particularly as the airline seeks to restore its reputation following its acquisition by Tata Group in 2022.
The AAIB is leading the investigation, with further analysis of the flight’s black boxes expected to provide additional insights.
As India aims to enhance its aviation sector, the crash underscores the urgent need for stringent safety protocols, especially as the country aspires to become a global aviation hub.
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Khaleej Times
