Investigation Reveals Critical Fuel Cutoff Switches Activated Post-Takeoff
A preliminary report released by India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) into the tragic crash of Air India Flight 171 last month has revealed a critical finding: the aircraft’s engine fuel cutoff switches were activated just seconds after takeoff, leading to a catastrophic loss of thrust. The incident, which occurred on June 12, resulted in the deaths of 242 people on board and 29 individuals on the ground in Ahmedabad, India, bringing the total fatalities to 271. Miraculously, one passenger, British national Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, survived the devastating crash.
The London-bound Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, carrying 230 passengers and 12 crew members, had barely lifted off from Ahmedabad airport when the incident unfolded. According to the 15-page report, the fuel cutoff switches for both engines moved from the "RUN" position to the "CUTOFF" position within a single second, just three seconds into the flight. This action immediately ceased the fuel supply to the engines, causing their N1 and N2 values (engine fan and compressor speeds) to rapidly decrease from their takeoff settings.
Cockpit voice recordings cited in the report capture a chilling exchange: one pilot is heard questioning the other, "Why did you cut off?" to which the other pilot responded, "I did not do so." Despite this denial, the engines lost power, and the flight lasted a mere 32 seconds before the aircraft slammed into a medical college building, also described as a hostel, near the airport.
Aviation experts, including CBS News aviation safety analyst Robert Sumwalt, former chair of the National Transportation Safety Board, emphasize the significance of this finding. "One of the things I think it really points out is this was not a problem with the airplane or the engines," Sumwalt stated, suggesting that "somebody in the cockpit shut the fuel off to those engines." The fuel cutoff switches are typically used to shut down engines either upon reaching the airport gate or during severe emergencies requiring an immediate engine shutdown. The preliminary report did not indicate any emergency that would have necessitated such an action.
Investigators at the crash site found the fuel cutoff switches in the "RUN" position, indicating that the pilots attempted to relight the engines moments before impact. While the left engine (N1) partially regained thrust, the second engine failed to recover before the crash. Approximately 20 seconds after the initial cutoff, one of the pilots transmitted a "MAYDAY" distress call, with the black box recording ceasing shortly thereafter.
The report also noted that both seasoned jet pilots, a captain and a first officer, were medically fit, rested, and possessed a combined 19,000 flying hours, with adequate experience on the aircraft type. Furthermore, the aircraft itself was deemed to be in good condition, with no defects related to the fuel control switch reported since 2023. The left engine was installed on March 26, and the right engine on May 1, prior to the crash. Fuel tests confirmed no contamination, and the flap setting and gear position were normal for takeoff. There were no adverse weather conditions or bird activity reported.
A crucial detail highlighted in the NDTV report is the existence of a known FAA advisory regarding a possible fuel switch flaw, for which Air India had not conducted inspections. This aspect will likely be a focus of the continued investigation, alongside the recovered cockpit voice recorders and flight data recorders, which are expected to shed more light on other contributing factors.
Air India released a statement acknowledging the preliminary report and reiterating its commitment to supporting the affected families and cooperating fully with the AAIB and other authorities. Boeing also expressed its condolences and continued support for the ongoing investigation.
The sole survivor, Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, recounted his harrowing experience from his hospital bed, stating, "When I opened my eyes, I realized I was alive," after being spotted limping away from the wreckage, still clutching his boarding pass. The investigation continues to seek answers to the fundamental question of why the critical fuel cutoff switches were moved, whether inadvertently or intentionally, in the moments leading up to one of India’s deadliest aviation accidents.
