Cause of Air India Plane Crash Revealed in Preliminary Report, Shows Fuel Was Cut Off to the Engines

The cause of the tragic Air India plane crash that occurred on June 12 has been unveiled in a preliminary report. The investigation conducted by India’s Air Accident Investigation Bureau disclosed that the dreadful accident, which resulted in the loss of all 230 passengers and 12 crew members except one, was triggered by the fuel supply being cut off to the aircraft’s engines. The ill-fated Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner was en route from Ahmedabad in Western India to London’s Gatwick Airport when the calamity unfolded.

According to the findings, released authorities in India, the Engine 1 and Engine 2 fuel cutoff switches transitioned from the RUN to CUTOFF position sequentially, leading to a rapid decrease in Engine N1 and N2 values as fuel flow to the engines was abruptly ended. Black box audio recordings from the cockpit captured one of the pilots questioning the other about the fuel cutoff, to which the response was denial. The distress call of ‘MAYDAY MAYDAY MAYDAY’ was sent at around 08:09:05 UTC, moments before the crash site was reached by the Crash Fire Tender at 8:14 a.m. local time.

In response to the devastating incident, Air India released a statement expressing solidarity with the affected families and individuals. The airline pledged full support and cooperation with the ongoing investigation, conducted by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB). The airline emphasized its commitment to providing the necessary assistance during this challenging period, while also refraining from divulging specific details owing to the active nature of the investigation.

The lone survivor of the crash, Vishwashkumar Ramesh, recounted the harrowing experience and miraculous escape from the wreckage. Disoriented and sustaining multiple injuries, Ramesh defied the odds and managed to emerge from the rubble alive. Despite witnessing the tragedy unfolding and fearing for his life, he miraculously survived the catastrophic crash.

Authorities, including the Union Minister of Civil Aviation, Shri. Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu, have been closely monitoring the aftermath of the crash, coordinating rescue efforts and providing relief support to the impacted individuals and their families. The tragic event sent shockwaves through the aviation industry and prompted a renewed focus on air safety protocols and procedures to prevent such catastrophic incidents in the future.

As investigations continue and additional evidence is being reviewed, questions linger about the circumstances surrounding the fuel cutoff and the miscommunication in the cockpit leading up to the fatal crash. The tragic loss of lives serves as a stark reminder of the grave consequences of lapses in aviation safety and the imperative need for stringent measures to safeguard passengers and crew aboard flights.

The aftermath of the Air India plane crash has left a somber reflection on the aviation community, with condolences pouring in for the victims and their families. The lessons learned from this tragedy are poised to shape future aviation practices and policies, ensuring that stringent safety measures are enforced to avert similar catastrophes in the skies. May the souls of the departed rest in peace, and may the survivor find strength and solace in the face of this ordeal.