Air India's leadership discusses hypotheses regarding the accident's origin.
In the aftermath of the tragic Air India Boeing 787 crash in Ahmedabad on June 12, which claimed the lives of 260 people, key details have emerged from the ongoing investigation.
According to the preliminary report, the disaster was triggered by an accidental or unintended movement of the engine fuel control switches to the cutoff position shortly after takeoff. This sudden shift caused both engines to lose power, leading to a dual-engine shutdown, loss of thrust, and ultimately, the crash.
Investigators found that the fuel supply switches for both engines moved to cutoff within one second of each other shortly after liftoff. Cockpit Voice Recorder data showed confusion between the pilots over why the fuel supply was cut off, with one asking, "Why did you cut off?" and the other denying intentional action.
Investigators ruled out fuel contamination or flap issues as causes and focused on the critical role of cockpit switch operation in controlling engine fuel supply. One engine was briefly restarted, but it was insufficient to maintain flight, and backup systems like the Ram Air Turbine (RAT) deployed during the incident.
South Korea, where the plane was leased, has announced plans to instruct all airlines in the country with Boeing models to check the fuel switches. The international pilots' union, ALPA, has referred to the 2018 reported suspected weakness in the fuel supply system and dismissed speculation of a pilot error.
ALPA has called for a fair, fact-based investigation, with ALPA participating as an observer. Air India CEO Campbell Wilson urged everyone not to jump to conclusions as the investigation into the crash is still ongoing.
The AAIB report stated that all instructions and warnings for aircraft and engines had been followed. The report from the responsible Indian authority AAIB provided additional details about the accident.
However, the FAA and Boeing stated that the locking function of the fuel supply switches was safe and did not warrant recommendations regarding the airworthiness of the aircraft. The inspections are linked to the 2018 FAA recommendation and are not mandatory but are being initiated due to safety concerns.
The module controlling throttles such as fuel supply had been replaced in 2019 and 2023 on the crashed aircraft. The German pilots' union Cockpit has rejected suggestions in media reports that one of the two pilots had committed suicide.
The investigation is ongoing, and a final report is expected within 12 months of the crash date. The aviation industry and the public eagerly await the findings to ensure the safety of future flights.
- The aviation industry and the public are eagerly awaiting the outcomes of the ongoing community policy on the Air India Boeing 787 crash investigation, as the findings will be crucial in ensuring the safety of future flights.
- The employment policy for pilots in South Korea is likely to be revised, as all airlines in the country with Boeing models have been instructed to check the fuel switches, following the Air India disaster.
- The investigation into the Air India Boeing 787 crash has shown a focus on the employment policy and operational procedures related to the critical role of cockpit switch operation in controlling engine fuel supply.
- In the context of the Air India Boeing 787 crash, the finance industry and insurance companies will need to reassess risk and employment policies in the aviation industry, especially when it comes to fleet maintenance, repairs, and safety protocols.
