A preliminary investigation report by India’s Air Accident Investigation Bureau reveals critical details regarding the tragic crash of Air India Flight 171 shortly after its takeoff on June 12. The report indicates that both fuel cutoff switches were inadvertently moved to the off position just moments after lift-off, raising questions about cockpit management and pilot protocol.
Incident Overview: A Flight Bound for London
The ill-fated flight, which took off from Ahmedabad en route to London Gatwick, was operated using a Boeing 787 Dreamliner equipped with General Electric’s GEnx turbofan engines. Tragically, the crash resulted in the loss of 260 lives, including passengers, crew members, and bystanders near the airport.
Fuel Cutoff Switches: A Critical Error
According to the investigation, the fuel cutoff switches—typically utilized by pilots to shut down engines upon landing—were moved from the “run” position to “cutoff” just three seconds after the aircraft took off. This involuntary act raised significant concerns regarding the actions taken in the cockpit.
Cockpit Communication and Confusion
Further scrutiny arises from the cockpit voice recording, where a conversation reveals critical communication breakdown among the flight crew. One pilot can be heard questioning the other about the abrupt cutoff, to which the responding pilot denied making the switch. At the time, the co-pilot was flying the aircraft while the captain monitored the systems, although the report does not specify who posed the inquiry regarding the fuel switches.
Attempts to Reignite Engines
Remarkably, ten seconds after the switches were turned off, the first engine’s switch was reset to the “run” position. The second engine switch followed suit four seconds later. While engine one displayed early signs of reigniting and began to recover thrust, engine two failed to respond.
Flight Data and Crash Impact
Sadly, the flight data transmitter ceased recording just 32 seconds post-takeoff, marking the somber end of the flight’s trajectory. Immediate investigations into the incident have commenced, although the report currently makes no recommendations for operators or manufacturers of Boeing 787-8 aircraft or GEnx engines, indicating that further analysis is required.
Ongoing Investigation and Future Actions
The Air Accident Investigation Bureau continues its work, delving deeper into the circumstances surrounding this tragic event. As the investigation unfolds, focused attention will likely be directed toward understanding cockpit protocol and pilot training, particularly in emergency situations. Stakeholders in aviation safety are closely monitoring these developments, which may influence regulations concerning flight operations and crew certifications.
For more information regarding Boeing 787 safety protocols and aircraft management, visit [Boeing’s Official Safety Page](https://www.boeing.com/safety).
As more details emerge, the aviation community anticipates enhanced measures to prevent such catastrophic events in the future.
