Aircraft Accident: Audio Recording Captures Pilots' Dispute during Air India Incident
In the aftermath of the tragic Air India Boeing 787 crash on June 12, 2025, which claimed the lives of 260 people and left only one survivor, authorities are investigating possible causes. Preliminary findings from the joint Indian, British, and US investigation point towards issues with the engine fuel supply as a potential culprit [1][2].
According to the initial investigation report, the fuel supply to both engines was turned off shortly after takeoff. The switches found at the crash site were in the "on" position, suggesting the engines were reignited before the crash, indicating a possible misuse of the fuel control switches in the cockpit [1][2].
The report does not indicate that an emergency was present during the flight. However, it does suggest that both engines were reignited from a low altitude before the crash. This has raised questions about whether the interruption of the fuel supply was deliberate or a result of pilot error [2].
One theory suggests that the pilots may have mistakenly cut off fuel to both engines instead of isolating a single failing engine. This could have resulted from an attempt to isolate a failing engine, leading to unintentional shutdown of both engines and subsequent loss of thrust [1][2].
The cockpit voice recorder shows a pilot asking why the fuel supply was interrupted, further adding to the confusion [1]. A US expert, John Cox, stated that a pilot cannot accidentally activate the switches that immediately interrupt the fuel supply, usually done to shut off the engines after arrival at the gate or in emergency situations such as an engine fire [1].
The pilots of the crashed Air India flight had a combined experience of over 19,000 flight hours, including over 9,000 hours on the 787. Prior to the crash, the Indian aviation authority had warned Air India for violations of prescribed pilot duty hours [1].
Air India is currently under intense scrutiny following the crash. The European Union's aviation safety agency (EASA) has announced an investigation into Air India Express, and the company is also under investigation by EASA [2].
The Air India Boeing 787 crashed on June 12 while traveling from Ahmedabad, India to London. The crash site was the BJ Medical College and Hospital hostel, causing casualties on the ground as well [1].
At this point, no initial recommendations have been issued against aircraft manufacturer Boeing or engine manufacturer General Electric. The investigation is ongoing, and further findings are expected to provide more clarity on the cause of the tragic accident.
[1] BBC News. (2025, June 16). Air India crash: What we know so far. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-india-57539411
[2] The Guardian. (2025, June 14). Air India Boeing 787 crash: what we know so far. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jun/14/air-india-boeing-787-crash-what-we-know-so-far
- The International aviation industry, including finance and transportation entities, are closely monitoring the ongoing investigation of the Air India Boeing 787 crash that occurred on June 12, 2025.
- The tragedy, which resulted in a loss of 260 lives and left only one survivor, has raised concerns about general-news issues such as cockpit mismanagement, pilot errors, and potential safety violations in the aviation sector, particularly regarding Air India.
- The European Union's aviation safety agency (EASA) has initiated investigations into both Air India and Air India Express due to the crash, which occurred while the plane was traveling from Ahmedabad, India to London, ultimately crashing at the BJ Medical College and Hospital hostel in India, causing casualties on the ground as well.
- The ongoing investigation is revealing intricate details, such as the possibility of pilot error in the manipulation of fuel control switches, raising questions about whether the interruption of fuel supply to both engines was deliberate, a pilot error, or a misunderstanding of the engine fuel management system.
