Air India Crash: The Critical Role of Engine Fuel Switches

The devastating Air India crash, which tragically claimed 260 lives, is under intense investigation. A preliminary report has revealed a crucial detail: the Boeing 787’s engine fuel control switches were momentarily turned off just seconds after takeoff, potentially cutting off fuel supply to the engines. This discovery has brought the function and behavior of these switches into sharp focus.

Understanding the Engine Fuel Control Switches

These switches play a vital role in managing fuel flow to the aircraft’s engines. Their proper operation is essential for maintaining stable flight. Investigators are meticulously analyzing the impact of their brief deactivation on the Air India flight.

What Happened in Those Critical Seconds?

The preliminary report indicates that shortly after the Air India flight took off, the engine fuel control switches were deactivated for a short period. This action may have starved the engines of fuel, contributing to the tragic crash. The investigation is ongoing to determine the precise sequence of events and the exact role of this switch incident in the accident. Further analysis will help clarify whether this was a contributing factor, a primary cause, or part of a larger chain of events.