Air India Crash Probe Reveals Critical Fuel Switch Error – Key Findings

Investigators uncover shocking details behind the deadliest aviation disaster in a decade

The preliminary report on the Air India Flight 2024 crash, which killed 260 people, reveals a chilling sequence of events. Seconds after takeoff from Ahmedabad to London, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner’s fuel control switches were accidentally turned off, starving the engines of fuel. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) released these findings, marking the world’s worst aviation accident in 10 years.

What Are Fuel Control Switches?

Fuel control switches regulate engine fuel flow and are crucial for starting or shutting down engines. Typically used on the ground or in emergencies (like engine fires), they are not meant to be touched mid-flight. Aviation experts confirm that pilots cannot accidentally flip these switches—yet in this case, they were moved, causing an immediate loss of thrust.

John Cox, a U.S. aviation safety expert, emphasized that these switches have independent power systems, making their accidental activation highly unusual.

Where Are the Switches Located?

On the Boeing 787 (equipped with GE engines), the switches sit below the thrust levers. They are spring-loaded with two positions:

• RUN (normal operation)
• CUTOFF (shuts off fuel)

To switch modes, a pilot must pull up and then move the lever, a deliberate action that rules out accidental bumps.

What Went Wrong on Air India Flight 2024?

• Seconds after takeoff, both engine switches moved to CUTOFF, one after the other.
• The cockpit voice recorder captured one pilot asking the other, “Why did you cut the fuel?” The other denied doing so.
• The switches flipped back to RUN, but it was too late—the plane had already lost thrust.
• Black box data confirmed the switches were in RUN position at the crash site, suggesting a possible malfunction.

Expert Reactions

John Nance, a leading aviation safety analyst, stated:

“No sane pilot would ever turn these switches off mid-flight, especially during climb. This points to a possible system failure or human error under extreme stress.”

Casualties & Investigation Status

The crash killed 241 passengers, 19 ground victims, and left only one survivor. The AAIB, supported by Indian authorities, continues its probe, while Air India has pledged full cooperation.

Long Beach residents and businesses should prepare for a brief internet disruption this weekend as the city performs critical upgrades to its network infrastructure. The scheduled maintenance window will run from 11 p.m. Friday, July 11, to 8 a.m. Saturday, July 12, improving reliability and performance for future connectivity.

Why Is the Outage Happening?

The Long Beach Technology and Innovation Department is upgrading core internet routers to strengthen network stability and reduce downtime risks. This move follows recent website outages, including a June 19 disruption that temporarily took city services offline. The new system will feature automatic failover capabilities, allowing seamless switching to a backup provider if primary services experience issues.

What Services Will Be Affected?

• City website (longbeach.gov) & online portals – Intermittent access issues
• Public Wi-Fi – Possible temporary unavailability
• External links from LBUtilities.org – Some pages may not load

Note: The Long Beach Utilities website (lbutilities.org) will remain online, but links redirecting to the main city site may not work. For water, sewer, or gas emergencies, residents should call 562-570-2390 (24/7 dispatch).

Emergency Services Remain Unaffected

• 911 and non-emergency lines (562-435-6711) will operate normally.
• Police and fire response times will not be impacted.

This proactive upgrade ensures faster, more reliable internet services for Long Beach residents and businesses. For real-time updates, follow the city’s official communications channels.

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – Saudi Arabia has once again secured its place as the world leader in cybersecurity, according to the latest IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook 2024. The achievement highlights the Kingdom’s unwavering commitment to digital safety under the visionary leadership of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who have prioritized cybersecurity as a cornerstone of national development.

A Global Leader in Digital Security

The Kingdom’s success stems from its comprehensive national cybersecurity strategy, which aligns with its broader Vision 2030 digital transformation goals. This strategic approach has not only strengthened defenses against cyber threats but also positioned Saudi Arabia as a Tier 1 “role-modeling” nation in the UN’s Global Cybersecurity Index 2024—a testament to its world-class cyber resilience.

Key Drivers of Saudi Arabia’s Cybersecurity Success

1. National Cybersecurity Authority (NCA) – As the primary regulator, the NCA oversees critical infrastructure protection, sets cybersecurity policies, and fosters innovation in the sector.
2. Saudi Information Technology Company (SITE) – Serving as a strategic partner, SITE enhances the Kingdom’s technical capabilities, ensuring cutting-edge cyber defenses.
3. Localization & Global Collaboration – Saudi Arabia has prioritized localizing cybersecurity expertise while strengthening international partnerships to combat evolving digital threats.

Building a Secure Digital Future

The Kingdom’s proactive cybersecurity measures safeguard government services, businesses, and citizens, creating a trusted digital ecosystem that supports economic growth. With continued investment in AI-driven security solutions, threat intelligence, and cyber innovation, Saudi Arabia remains at the forefront of global cybersecurity excellence.

This latest recognition reinforces the Kingdom’s leadership in digital transformation and cyber resilience, setting a benchmark for nations worldwide.