In a shocking revelation, a preliminary investigation into the devastating crash of an Air India flight last month has uncovered that the fuel control switches for both engines were cut off just moments before the aircraft plummeted, resulting in the deaths of 260 people, including 19 on the ground. This catastrophic incident, which occurred on June 12, involved a Boeing 787 Dreamliner and is now considered one of the worst aviation disasters in India’s history.
The report, released early Saturday by India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau, indicates that confusion among the flight crew regarding the fuel switch settings led to a complete loss of engine thrust shortly after takeoff. Eyewitness accounts and preliminary data suggest that the pilots were bewildered by the sudden switch changes, with one pilot questioning whether the cutoff had occurred, only to receive a denial from the other. This critical moment raises alarming questions about cockpit communication and decision-making under pressure.
Aviation experts are now scrutinizing the circumstances surrounding this tragic event. Questions abound regarding whether the switch was moved inadvertently or due to a mechanical failure. The investigation is delving into the pilots’ training records and actions leading up to the incident, seeking clarity on how such a catastrophic error could occur at such a crucial moment.
Among the wreckage, only one passenger survived, a remarkable yet tragic statistic that highlights the randomness of survival in such disasters. As investigators continue to piece together the events that led to this harrowing crash, the aviation community awaits further details, hoping for answers that could prevent future tragedies. The urgency of this investigation is palpable, as the world watches closely for updates on what went wrong in the skies above India.