Air India Crash Report Reveals Fuel Flow Cut-off and Pilot Confusion in Cockpit

Seconds before Air India Flight 171 crashed after taking off from Ahmedabad, the fuel control switches of both engines were turned off. This was revealed in a preliminary investigation report, suggesting a possible pilot error in the Boeing 787 Dreamliner cockpit. The Airlines Pilots Association of India disagreed, claiming the investigation was biased and concluded too quickly.

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) released a report on Saturday, which did not pinpoint why the fuel switches moved or assign blame for the crash. It also did not identify the pilots in the voice recording. However, it found no fault with the aircraft itself, indicating pilot error as a potential cause.

Fuel Switches and Pilot Actions

The report detailed that both engines' fuel-control switches shifted from "run" to "cutoff" within one second, causing an immediate altitude loss. In the cockpit voice recording, one pilot questioned the other about cutting off the fuel, which was denied. The report did not explain why or by whom these switches were moved.

First Officer Clive Kunder, 32, was at the controls, while Sumeet Sabharwal, a veteran with 30 years at Air India, monitored the flight. The report referenced a 2018 FAA bulletin about similar fuel switch issues on Boeing 737s but noted Air India had not conducted recommended inspections as they were non-mandatory.

Crash Details and Investigation

The crash occurred just outside Ahmedabad airport's perimeter after takeoff. The plane hit a hostel building, killing all but one of the 242 onboard and 19 on the ground. The report ruled out bird strikes or fuel contamination as causes.

The chronology showed both fuel cutoff switches moved almost immediately after takeoff. A ram air turbine deployed due to engine power loss. Although pilots relit both engines, only Engine 1 regained power. A distress call was made before crashing.

Investigative Findings and Reactions

The AAIB's report offered no recommendations for Boeing 787-8 operators. Air India expressed solidarity with victims' families and pledged cooperation with ongoing investigations. Boeing also extended condolences and support for the probe.

The US National Transportation Safety Board noted no actions were suggested for Boeing 787 or GE engine operators. Aviation experts questioned how pilots could accidentally move fuel switches due to their design and criticised the lack of cockpit camera footage in the report.

Technical Aspects and Further Analysis

The aircraft reached its maximum speed before both engines' fuel cutoff switches transitioned from "run" to "cutoff." Engine performance decreased as fuel supply ceased. CCTV footage showed a backup energy source deploying soon after takeoff.

The AAIB completed wreckage site activities and moved components for further examination. The investigation continues with additional data analysis from flight recorders and witness statements being reviewed.

The ill-fated flight was commanded by Sumeet Sabharwal, who had extensive experience on Boeing 787s. Co-pilot Clive Kunder had significant flying hours on Dreamliners too. Both passed pre-flight breathalyser tests and were seen on CCTV before departure.

This accident marked India's worst aviation disaster in nearly three decades and the first fatal incident involving a Boeing Dreamliner. The investigation involved UK and US aviation authorities' assistance.

Fuel samples tested by DGCA were satisfactory, ruling out contamination as a factor. The AAIB is gathering more details based on initial leads and analysing data from flight recorders to understand what led to this tragic event.

With inputs from PTI