AI Probe Report Highlights: Unintentional Actions Not Completely Excluded, Emphasis on Fuel Switch Malfunction
In the aftermath of the tragic Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner crash last month, the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) in India is spearheading the investigation into the cause of the accident. The London-bound flight experienced a loss of height at an altitude of 650 feet, leading to widespread concern and a thorough examination of all possible factors.
One key area of focus in the investigation has been the engine fuel control switches, specifically the RUN and CUTOFF switches, which control the start, stop, and manual inflight shutdown of the plane's engines. These switches are critical components, managing the fuel supply to each engine and directly affecting engine operation, thrust generation, and consequently, flight safety.
Under normal conditions, these switches are primarily operated on the ground during engine start and shutdown. However, they can also be used by the flight crew to manually shut down or restart an engine in flight if necessary. To prevent accidental movement, the switches are physically guarded by brackets and require lifting past a metal stop lock mechanism before they can be moved, ensuring deliberate action by the crew.
Improper or accidental switching could have led to the sudden loss of engine thrust shortly after takeoff, contributing to the accident. However, the available information on the black boxes could not definitively rule in or out improper, inadvertent, or intentional actions that preceded or followed the apparent loss of thrust before the aircraft crashed.
The UN's International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has granted observer status to a specialist in the ongoing investigation. Meanwhile, a panel of Indian lawmakers is reviewing safety in the country's civil aviation sector and will question industry and government officials about the recent plane crash.
The preliminary investigation report on the Air India plane crash is scheduled for release on Friday. An ongoing analysis of the recovered black box has been conducted, but no new concerns over mechanical failure or fuel contamination have been raised so far.
India aims to develop its aviation sector to become a global aviation hub similar to Dubai, handling much of the country's international traffic. The focus on the engine fuel control switches serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining the highest standards of safety and reliability in the industry, especially as the country strives to expand its aviation sector.
The Aviation industry publication 'Air Current' reported the focus on the fuel switches that help power the plane's two engines, highlighting the significance of this investigation in ensuring the safety of future flights. As the investigation continues, the public and the aviation industry await the findings that will help shed light on the unfortunate incident and prevent similar accidents in the future.
- Despite the tragedy, India remains determined to transform its aviation industry, aiming to rival global hubs like Dubai.
- The preliminary report on the Air India plane crash is due for release this Friday, following an ongoing analysis of the black boxes.
- The UN's International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has assigned a specialist to observe the ongoing investigation into the Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner crash.
- The engine fuel control switches, which play a crucial role in managing fuel supply and engine operation, have become a key area of focus in the investigation.
- The finance industry, especially stocks and banking, may need to pay attention to any findings that could impact the safety and reliability of the aviation sector, considering the recent plane crash.
- As the investigation delves deeper, it is expected to illuminate the cause of the accident and provide recommendations for preventing similar incidents in the future, potentially affecting the crime-and-justice, general-news, technology, aerospace, and finance sectors.
