Ahmedabad: A month after the devastating crash of an Air India Boeing 787, families across India continue to grapple with unanswered questions, as the AAIB released its preliminary findings into what has become one of the nation’s deadliest aviation tragedies. The early investigation has revealed that just three seconds after take-off from Ahmedabad, fuel supply to both engines was suddenly cut off. The aircraft’s fuel control switches flipped from “RUN” to “CUTOFF” in quick succession, within a second of each other. But for families mourning loved ones lost in the crash, the report has raised more questions than it has answered.
“I saw the news this morning after returning from prayers at the mosque,” said Badasab Syed, 59, who lost his brother, sister-in-law, and their two young children. “The report mentions the pilots discussing who turned off the fuel and a possible issue with the fuel control switch. We don’t know what that means. Was it avoidable?”
Like many others affected by the tragedy, Syed feels that the initial findings have only deepened the mystery surrounding the crash. Cockpit voice recordings included in the report captured one pilot asking, “why did you cut off?” to which the other responded that he “did not do so.” The report does not specify which pilot was speaking. Investigators say that both fuel control switches shifted to the cut-off position almost simultaneously, a move that led to an immediate loss of thrust in both engines.
Though one engine managed to restart, it could not overcome the aircraft’s rapid loss of altitude. The crash claimed the lives of all 231 passengers and crew aboard the Gatwick-bound flight. The report has stirred strong reactions among those connected to the victims. Dr. Mario Donadi, a colleague of one of the victims, Dr. Prateek Joshi, called the findings “a huge slap in the face.” Experts expressed skepticism about the possibility of accidental switch activation, noting that such components are protected from accidental contact. The Airline Pilots’ Association of India is now calling for increased transparency as the investigation proceeds.
India’s Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu, addressing the growing public interest and speculation, urged both the media and the public to be patient and cautious in their interpretations. “Let’s not jump to any conclusions at this stage. Let us wait for the final report,” Naidu said on Saturday. He emphasized that the ministry is thoroughly analyzing the initial report and committed to full clarity in due time.
“The Civil Aviation Ministry is analysing this report thoroughly. Once the final report is out, only then can we arrive at a concrete conclusion,” he stated. Naidu also used the opportunity to express deep appreciation for India’s aviation personnel. “We have the most wonderful workforce in terms of pilots and crew in the whole world. Pilots and crew are the backbone of the aviation industry,” he said.
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has outlined the next steps, which include detailed analysis of fuel samples, black box flight data, and post-mortem results of those on board. A final report is expected within the next 12 months.