Fuel Control Switches Moved to “Cutoff” Seconds Takeoff in Air India Flight 171 Crash

A preliminary investigation by India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) into the June 12 crash of Air India Flight 171 has revealed that both engine fuel control switches were moved from the “run” position to “cutoff” just seconds after takeoff. 

The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, operating a flight from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, crashed into a nearby medical college hostel approximately 30 seconds after departure, killing 260 people—including 241 onboard and 19 on the ground—with only one survivor.

Cockpit voice recordings captured a moment of confusion, where one pilot questioned the sudden cutoff of fuel supply, while the other denied intentionally activating the switches. Despite an immediate attempt by the crew to restore the switches to “run,” the engines failed to regain thrust in time to recover from the loss of altitude.

Data showed that the switches were moved approximately three seconds after liftoff, when the aircraft had reached a speed of around 180 knots. Investigators noted that the design of the fuel control switches requires a conscious mechanical lift to change their position, suggesting that the movement was unlikely to have occurred accidentally. 

The report emphasized that there was no technical malfunction or fire in the engines, nor any other emergency that would necessitate the fuel cutoff.

Further attention has been drawn to a 2018 bulletin issued by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration, which warned of potential disengagement in the locking mechanism of similar fuel control switches. However, Air India did not take action on this advisory, as compliance was not mandated.

While the preliminary report refrains from assigning blame or issuing directives to the aircraft or engine manufacturers, it indicates that the investigation remains ongoing with international collaboration. Agencies involved include the U.S. 

National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Boeing, and GE Aerospace.

Air India has begun inspections of its fleet of 33 Boeing 787 aircraft and is cooperating with the investigation. Experts have urged for thorough evaluation of cockpit procedures and pilot actions, emphasising the need to determine whether the fuel cutoff was the result of human error or system-related factors.

As the inquiry continues, the central question persists: was this tragedy avoidable?

Source- Al Jazeera, Reuters, AP, Washington Post, Economic Times, Times of India.