Air India Crash: Pilot Questioned Colleague Over Fuel Switch Cutoff Moments After Takeoff

A recent investigation into the tragic Air India crash has revealed a puzzling moment in the cockpit just seconds after takeoff, where one pilot questioned another about cutting off the fuel control switches.

The crash occurred on June 12, when Air India Flight 171, a Boeing 787-8, was en route from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick. The aircraft, carrying 242 passengers and crew, crashed shortly after takeoff, resulting in the deaths of 230 people, with only one survivor.

According to a preliminary report from India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), the Boeing 787 reached its maximum recorded airspeed just after takeoff. Then, within seconds, both engine fuel cutoff switches transitioned from “run” to “cutoff.”

“In the cockpit voice recording, one of the pilots is heard asking the other why did he cut off,” the report stated. “The other pilot responded that he did not do so.”

About 22 seconds later, one of the pilots transmitted “MAYDAY MAYDAY MAYDAY,” signaling an emergency. The aircraft then began to lose altitude, initially hitting trees before crashing into a chimney and a medical college.

The report also noted that the take-off weight was within allowable limits for the given conditions, and there was no significant bird activity observed in the vicinity of the flight path. The flap handle assembly was found to be consistent with a normal takeoff flap setting, and the landing gear lever was in the “down” position.

There were 230 passengers on board, with 15 in business class and 215 in economy, including two babies. The Boeing 787-8 was manufactured in 2013, and both engines in use were installed this year. The aircraft and its engines were found to be in compliance with all applicable airworthiness directives, with no reported defects related to the fuel control switch.

Forensic experts and officials are still working at the crash site, and both engines have been retrieved and quarantined at a hangar in the airport. The investigation continues, with experts from various fields, including experienced pilots, engineers, aviation medicine specialists, and flight recorder specialists, involved in the process.

At this stage, there are no recommended actions for Boeing 787-8 and/or General Electric GEnx-1B engine operators and manufacturers. The investigation is ongoing, and further details are expected in the coming weeks.

Meanwhile, Air India’s chief executive, Campbell Wilson, is a Christchurch-born leader who has been in the spotlight due to the tragic incident.