Co-Pilot of Doomed Flight Thought Captain Turned Off Fuel Switches Just Before Crash, Investigation Continues: Reports

Co-Pilot Suspected Captain Turned Off Fuel Just Before Tragic Plane Crash

In a devastating turn of events, the co-pilot of a recently crashed flight reportedly suggested that the captain had intentionally switched off the fuel controls just before the fatal incident. The incident occurred on an Air India flight departing from Ahmedabad Airport en route to London, which tragically claimed the lives of 241 out of the 242 people on board.

According to reports, the co-pilot grew anxious as the captain appeared calm despite the dire circumstances that ultimately led to the crash near the airport in Ahmedabad. The findings were based on data retrieved from the black box recording of the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, shedding light on the harrowing moments leading up to the disaster. This revelation has sparked further investigations into the events that transpired on that fateful day.

The preliminary report released by India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau indicated that the fuel supply to the aircraft’s engines had been deliberately disrupted during the flight. The report referenced a distress call made by one of the pilots, signaling a moment of urgency and panic as the situation unfolded. This critical information aligns with the emerging details from the black box recording, providing a clearer picture of the cockpit dynamics before the crash.

The Aviation Accident Investigation Bureau has emphasised the importance of maintaining the integrity of the investigative process by refraining from premature conclusions. They asserted that it is still too early to draw definitive findings, highlighting the ongoing nature of the inquiry into the tragic Air India crash. This cautious approach underscores the complexities involved in unravelling the sequence of events leading to the catastrophe.

The captain of the ill-fated flight was identified as Sumeet Sabharwal, with extensive flight experience totalling 8,200 hours. His co-pilot, Clive Kunder, who tragically lost his life in the crash, had amassed 1,100 hours of flight experience. Kunder’s cousin, Bollywood star Vikrant Massey, paid tribute to his late family member, underscoring the personal impact of the tragedy on those left behind.

As the aviation community grapples with the aftermath of this heartbreaking event, questions linger regarding the sequence of events and the factors that contributed to the crash. The stark disparity in reactions between the co-pilot and the captain moments before the incident adds a layer of complexity to the ongoing investigation, prompting a closer examination of the cockpit dynamics and decision-making process during the flight.

The sorrowful loss of 241 lives in the Air India crash serves as a poignant reminder of the inherent risks in air travel and the critical importance of thorough safety protocols. As the investigation unfolds and more details come to light, the aviation industry faces a sobering reckoning with the realities of tragic accidents and the imperative to prevent future occurrences through enhanced safety measures and rigorous oversight.

In the wake of this devastating event, the collective mourning for the lives lost and the profound impact on their families and loved ones reverberates through the aviation community and beyond. The quest for answers and accountability in the aftermath of the Air India crash underscores the gravity of the situation and the imperative to learn from such tragedies to prevent similar incidents in the future.