Air India Crash Investigation: Was It the Fuel Switches?

Tragedy struck last month when an Air India plane crashed in Ahmedabad, claiming the lives of at least 274 people. Now, a preliminary report from the Aircraft Accident Investigation Report (AAIB) is shedding light on a potential cause: the position of the fuel control switches.

Fuel Switches Moved from “RUN” to “CUTOFF”

Despite clear skies, good visibility, and light winds, something went terribly wrong. The AAIB report indicates that the fuel control switches for Engine 1 and Engine 2 moved from the “RUN” to “CUTOFF” position in rapid succession, within a mere one-second interval. This abrupt change raises serious questions about the sequence of events leading up to the crash.

Investigation Focuses on Why the Switches Moved

Investigators are now focusing on understanding why these switches moved so quickly. Was it a mechanical malfunction, human error, or some other unforeseen factor? The AAIB’s continued investigation will be crucial in determining the exact cause of this heartbreaking accident and preventing similar tragedies in the future.