AAIB Probe Report Highlights Pilot Actions and Fuel Switch Issues in Air India Crash Investigation

The initial investigation into the Air India crash has highlighted pilot actions, yet it lacks recommendations for Boeing 787-8 operators. This has left many questions unanswered, according to experts. The report details how fuel switches were turned off within a second, leading to a loss of thrust and altitude before the plane crashed into a building in Ahmedabad, killing 260 people.

Experts noted that the preliminary report, spanning 15 pages, outlines the events leading up to the crash, which occurred less than a minute after takeoff. However, it omits crucial elements like the full cockpit voice recording transcript and which pilot queried about the fuel switch post-takeoff. The final report will reveal the exact causes.

Focus on Pilot Actions

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) stated that both engine fuel switches were turned off immediately after takeoff, with only a one-second gap. In the cockpit voice recording, one pilot asked why the switch was cut off, and the other denied doing so. A Boeing pilot mentioned that specific words from the recording were picked without context.

"They are not blaming, they are not saying they did not do it," said a seasoned widebody Boeing pilot. The absence of a complete transcript leaves room for speculation until the full report is released, which could take up to a year.

Questions on Mechanical Issues

Experts suggest mechanical or power supply issues might have caused the fuel switches to change position. A former Director General of Civil Aviation official questioned why this change occurred and whether it was due to mechanical failure or other factors like software glitches.

The ill-fated AI171 flight from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick was piloted by Captain Sumeet Sabharwal and First Officer Clive Kundar. Sabharwal had over 8,596 hours of experience with the 787, while Kundar had 1,128 hours. Both pilots were based in Mumbai and had sufficient rest before the flight.

Concerns Over Investigation Bias

The Airline Pilots Association of India (ALPA India) criticised the report for being secretive and seemingly biased against pilots. They called for an unbiased investigation, claiming that the current probe suggests pilot error prematurely. ALPA India is affiliated with the International Federation of Airline Pilots Associations (IFALPA).

Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu advised against jumping to conclusions about pilot roles in the crash. He emphasised that multiple factors need consideration before finalising the investigation report.

Technical Aspects Under Scrutiny

The crash marked Boeing's first fatal accident involving its Dreamliner model, resulting in hull loss. Despite this, AAIB's report currently offers no recommendations for B787-8 or GE GEnx-1B engine operators and manufacturers. The aircraft was equipped with GEnx-1B engines.

Fuel samples from bowsers and tanks used for refuelling were tested at DGCA's lab and found satisfactory. However, questions remain about airworthiness directives related to fuel control switches and their implementation by Air India.

A Boeing pilot highlighted two unresolved issues: airworthiness directives on fuel control switches and potential pilot errors. These open-ended aspects leave room for varied interpretations until more context is provided through complete CVR transcripts.

With inputs from PTI