Air India Crash Probe Finds No Faults Highlights Cockpit Confusion
Air India Dreamliner Crash: Preliminary Report Reveals Cockpit Confusion, No Mechanical Faults
India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has released a preliminary report into the fatal crash of an Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner, indicating cockpit confusion but no mechanical or maintenance issues.
The Dreamliner, en route to London from Ahmedabad, lost thrust and descended shortly after takeoff, killing 241 of the 242 people on board, along with 19 people on the ground. The crash remains under investigation.
According to the AAIB’s initial findings, cockpit voice recordings captured one pilot asking the other why he had cut off fuel to the engines in the final moments of the flight. The second pilot reportedly responded that he had not done so. The report notes that both engine two fuel cutoff switches were flipped nearly simultaneously, but it does not explain how or why.
Air India CEO Campbell Wilson, in a memo seen by Reuters, cautioned against premature conclusions. “The preliminary report identified no cause nor made any recommendations, so I urge everyone to avoid drawing premature conclusions as the investigation is far from over,” Wilson wrote.
He added that all required maintenance had been completed and no technical faults were identified. The aircraft was equipped with GE engines, and the AAIB report did not call for immediate action from Boeing or GE.
The commander of the flight, Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, 56, was a seasoned pilot with over 15,000 flying hours and served as an instructor for Air India. His co-pilot, Clive Kunder, 32, had logged more than 3,400 hours. Both pilots had passed pre-flight medical checks, including breathalyzer tests.
The Airline Pilots Association (ALPA) India has firmly rejected any presumption of pilot error, calling for a “fair, fact-based inquiry.”
The crash has intensified scrutiny of Air India, which is also facing an investigation by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency into its budget carrier, Air India Express. A separate report by Reuters found the airline had delayed mandatory engine part replacements on an Airbus A320 and falsified compliance records.
The final AAIB investigation report is expected to take several months and will likely include recommendations for safety improvements.
Mutib Khalid is a skilled content writer and digital marketer with a knack for crafting compelling narratives and optimizing digital strategies. Excel in creating engaging content that drives results and enhances online presence. Passionate about blending creativity with data-driven approaches, Mutib Khalid helps brands connect with their audience and achieve their goals.
