Preliminary Report Offers First Glimpse Into the Cause of the Worst Aviation Disaster in India in Decades
A month after the catastrophic Air India crash in Ahmedabad, which tragically claimed the lives of at least 270 passengers and crew, a preliminary report has been released, shedding light on the events leading up to what has been described as India’s deadliest aviation disaster in decades. The 15-page report, published by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) on Saturday, offers new insights into the circumstances surrounding the crash and has sparked intense discussions in the aviation community.

The most startling revelation comes from the cockpit voice recorder (CVR), which captured the pilot’s final words moments before the crash. The report also highlights a critical mechanical issue that occurred during takeoff—the engines’ fuel switches were shifted from “RUN” to “CUTOFF” within seconds of each other, which is a fatal malfunction during flight.

THE FINAL MOMENTS BEFORE THE CRASH

The cockpit voice recorder (CVR), which was recovered from the wreckage, provided investigators with critical audio evidence from the cockpit in the moments leading up to the crash. According to the preliminary report, the pilot’s final words were recorded just seconds before the aircraft lost power and crashed. The last transmission from the pilot was a calm but urgent acknowledgment of the fuel issue:

“We’ve lost power… switching off the engines, mayday… we’re going down…” the pilot can be heard saying in the final moments of the recording.

The report revealed that the fuel switches, which are essential for engine power, were shifted from “RUN” (the proper position for flight) to “CUTOFF” during takeoff. This occurred shortly after the plane was airborne, and it was a critical mistake that led to the engines failing mid-flight. The simultaneous engine failure caused the aircraft to lose thrust, which ultimately led to the crash.

“This is a fatal error,” said Captain Vijay Sharma, an aviation expert. “The fuel switches should never have been turned off during flight, especially after takeoff. The fact that both engines lost power at the same time indicates a serious mechanical failure or pilot error.”

THE FUEL SWITCH MALFUNCTION

One of the key findings in the report is that the fuel switches of both engines were moved to the “CUTOFF” position within seconds of each other during the plane’s ascent after takeoff. This malfunction cut off fuel supply to the engines, causing them to lose power and fail. The timing of this switch suggests either a pilot error or a mechanical failure in the fuel system.

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has confirmed that investigators are now focusing on whether this malfunction was caused by a mechanical issue or whether it was a deliberate action by the pilot. The report also points to possible crew miscommunication during the critical moments before the crash.

“The engines should have remained running throughout the climb-out phase, and any attempt to shut them down would be highly unusual,” explained Dr. Rekha Malhotra, an aviation safety expert. “The fact that both fuel switches were set to cutoff so quickly after takeoff raises many questions.”

IMPACT OF THE CRASH: AVIATION SAFETY CONCERNS

The crash has sparked a renewed focus on aviation safety protocols and the role of pilots in managing critical flight systems. Aviation experts are concerned about the potential lack of training or procedural error that might have contributed to the pilot’s actions. While the AAIB has not yet released an official conclusion, the early findings suggest that both pilot error and mechanical failure could have played a role.

The loss of both engines so quickly after takeoff is particularly alarming, as modern commercial jets are equipped with multiple safety measures to ensure that engine failure does not lead to a crash. The fact that both engines failed simultaneously indicates that something went drastically wrong, either in the fuel system or the flight crew’s handling of it.

“This crash highlights the importance of having foolproof procedures in place and making sure that pilots are fully trained to handle critical situations, including engine failure and fuel management,” said Captain Sharma.

THE INVESTIGATION CONTINUES

The investigation into the Air India AI171 crash is still ongoing, with authorities combing through all available data, including black box information, maintenance records, and pilot background checks. The AAIB is also analyzing the flight data recorder (FDR) for further clues as to whether mechanical failure or pilot error was the primary cause of the incident.

A final report on the crash, expected to be released later this year, will provide more conclusive findings on the exact cause of the disaster. However, the early findings already suggest that a combination of human error and mechanical failure may have contributed to the tragic outcome.

“This crash has highlighted the need for better training and more comprehensive safety protocols in managing aircraft systems,” said Ravi Sood, an aviation analyst. “There are still many questions left to answer, but this preliminary report gives us a clearer picture of the factors that led to this horrific event.”

THE VICTIMS AND FAMILIES

As the investigation continues, the focus remains on the victims and their families. Air India has expressed its deepest condolences to the families of the passengers and crew, and the airline is working with the authorities to support the investigation. The crash has also prompted calls for greater accountability in the aviation industry, particularly when it comes to ensuring that pilots and crew are properly trained and prepared for emergencies.

“We will never forget those we lost in this tragedy,” said Air India CEO, Pradeep Kumar. “We will continue to support the families and work alongside investigators to ensure that such an incident is never repeated.”

CONCLUSION: A FOCUS ON PREVENTION

As the investigation into the Air India AI171 crash progresses, it is clear that pilot training and safety protocols will be major areas of focus. The preliminary report points to a combination of human error and mechanical malfunction, which serves as a reminder of the importance of rigorous safety standards in the aviation industry.

“The goal is to learn from this tragedy and ensure that all steps are taken to prevent such a devastating event in the future,” concluded Captain Sharma.

📰 More Inside Today’s Edition:

THE AIR INDIA CRASH INVESTIGATION: New developments from the black box and flight data recorder
AIRLINE SAFETY CHALLENGES: What the aviation industry must learn from this disaster
THE ROLE OF PILOTS IN AIRCRAFT SAFETY: Why human error must be addressed

📸 EXCLUSIVE PHOTOS OF THE AIR INDIA CRASH SITE AND RECOVERY EFFORTS — PAGE A6

The Daily Aviation Report — Where aviation safety meets investigative analysis.