A preliminary report into the tragic Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner crash on June 12 reveals critical confusion in the cockpit over the aircraft’s engine fuel cutoff switches. Shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad, India, the plane lost thrust as both engines were starved of fuel, causing it to crash and kill 260 people — the deadliest aviation accident in a decade.
The investigation by India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) found that the fuel cutoff switches, designed to stop fuel flow to the engines, were flipped from “run” to “cutoff” almost simultaneously. Closed-circuit TV footage showed the deployment of the ram air turbine, indicating the engines had lost power.
Cockpit voice recordings captured one pilot questioning the other about who cut off the fuel, with the other denying responsibility. However, the report does not specify which pilot made these remarks or who declared the emergency “Mayday” call just before impact.
Aviation experts emphasize that accidental movement of these switches is unlikely, and pilots normally only cut fuel during emergencies on the ground, such as an engine fire—not during takeoff. The report also noted no prior emergency that would justify shutting off the engines.
Both fuel switches were found in the “run” position at the crash site, suggesting an attempt to reignite the engines before the plane struck a building after briefly clipping trees and an incinerator chimney during its descent.
The Boeing 787 was fully compliant with all airworthiness directives and safety maintenance, according to the report. The black boxes were recovered, providing crucial data for the ongoing investigation.
This catastrophe poses a significant challenge for Tata Group’s efforts to revitalize Air India’s fleet and reputation since taking over in 2022. Meanwhile, the US Federal Aviation Administration and Boeing are closely monitoring the findings to ensure flight safety improvements.
The crash has also drawn attention to other safety concerns within Air India Express, prompting investigations by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency.
India’s government is pushing to become a global aviation hub, making the outcome of this investigation critical for the country’s growing airline industry and international standing.