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.
