In a shocking twist straight out of a thriller, a preliminary investigation report reveals that moments before a deadly crash, the fuel control switches on an Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner flipped from RUN to CUTOFF. The flight, en route from Ahmedabad to London, experienced these critical actions just as it reached its top speed, setting off a chain of tragic events.
The report from India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau details a tense cockpit exchange where one pilot asked the other, "Why did you cut off the fuel?" The reply was a simple denial amid the unfolding crisis. Shortly after the switches momentarily shifted and then returned to RUN, the aircraft began a rapid descent, accompanied by a desperate "MAYDAY MAYDAY MAYDAY" over the cockpit comms.
Further adding to the intrigue, the report recalled a 2018 U.S. FAA bulletin warning about a potential disengagement issue with the fuel control switch locking feature. Air India had not carried out the suggested examinations since they were only advisory. Despite this, investigators found no fault with the Boeing 787-8 or the GE GEnx-1B engines.
The accident tragically claimed nearly 260 lives, with all but one of the 242 people on board, along with 19 individuals on the ground, losing their lives. One British passenger survived against overwhelming odds. As experts from the U.S. and Britain join the ongoing probe, questions remain over the cockpit actions that fateful day.
This incident stands as a stark reminder of the razor-thin margin between routine operations and disaster, urging a closer look at aviation safety protocols. Our thoughts go out to all those affected by this heartbreaking event.
Reference(s):
Probe: Fuel to Air India engines cut off moments before deadly crash
cgtn.com
