Air India Crash Report Reveals Pilot Confusion on Engine Switch

Understanding the Air India Crash: A Preliminary Report Reveals Confusion in the Cockpit

A preliminary report on the tragic crash of an Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner has shed light on the events that led to the loss of 260 lives. The incident, which occurred last month, is considered the deadliest aviation accident in a decade. According to the report released by India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), confusion in the cockpit was evident shortly before the plane crashed.

The aircraft, en route from Ahmedabad to London, began losing thrust and descending after takeoff. The report indicates that the engine fuel cutoff switches were activated almost simultaneously, leading to a loss of power. This sudden event raised questions about the position of these critical switches during the flight.

Key Events Leading Up to the Crash

In the moments following takeoff, closed-circuit TV footage captured the deployment of a backup energy source known as a ram air turbine, signaling a loss of power from the engines. This development was alarming for the crew, as it indicated a potential failure in the primary power systems.

According to the cockpit voice recorder, one pilot questioned the other about cutting off the fuel, with the response being that the action had not been taken. However, the report did not clarify who made which statement or who transmitted the "Mayday, Mayday, Mayday" distress call just before the crash.

The captain of the Air India flight was Sumeet Sabharwal, a highly experienced pilot with over 15,000 hours of flying experience. His co-pilot, Clive Kunder, had 3,403 hours of total experience. Both pilots were involved in the flight that ended in tragedy.

Fuel Switches and Their Role in the Crash

Experts have pointed out that a pilot would not typically accidentally move the fuel switches. U.S. aviation safety expert Anthony Brickhouse questioned why the switches would be moved if it was not intentional. The report noted that the switches flipped a second apart, which could suggest a deliberate action rather than an accident.

Flipping the fuel switches to the cutoff position immediately cuts off the engines. This action is usually reserved for situations such as an engine fire or when the plane is at the airport gate. The report did not indicate any emergency that warranted this action.

At the crash site, both fuel switches were found in the run position, and there were indications that both engines had relit before the low-altitude crash. This detail adds complexity to the investigation, as it suggests that the engines may have attempted to restart after the initial failure.

Responses from Authorities and Airlines

Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu emphasized the importance of waiting for the final report before drawing conclusions. He urged caution and highlighted the need to focus on the well-being of the pilots involved.

The crash poses significant challenges for Tata Group, which took over Air India in 2022. Restoring the airline's reputation and modernizing its fleet are crucial goals for the company. Air India has acknowledged the report and stated that it is cooperating with Indian authorities, though it has declined to provide further comments.

International Collaboration and Ongoing Investigations

The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board expressed gratitude for the cooperation from Indian officials. It noted that the preliminary report did not include any recommended actions for operators of Boeing 787 jets or GE engines. The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration also emphasized its commitment to addressing any risks identified during the investigation.

Boeing and GE Aerospace have both shown support for the ongoing probe. Boeing stated it continues to back the investigation and its customer, Air India. GE Aerospace has not yet responded to requests for comment.

The Broader Implications of the Crash

The AAIB is leading the investigation into the crash, which resulted in the deaths of all but one of the 242 passengers on board and 19 others on the ground. Most air crashes are attributed to multiple factors, with a preliminary report due within 30 days of the accident and a final report expected within a year.

The recovery of the plane's black boxes, including the cockpit voice recorders and flight data recorders, was a critical step in the investigation. The report confirmed that all applicable airworthiness directives and alert service bulletins were followed on the aircraft and engines.

Additional Scrutiny for Air India

Air India faces increased scrutiny beyond the crash. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency plans to investigate its budget airline, Air India Express, after reports indicated non-compliance with directives related to engine parts on an Airbus A320.

India aims to leverage a boom in aviation to achieve broader development goals, aspiring to become a global aviation hub similar to Dubai. The crash underscores the importance of maintaining high safety standards and transparency in the aviation industry.