Air India Crash: Investigators Probe Fuel Switch Error in Deadly Boeing 787 Crash
AHMEDABAD – Investigators are focusing on a possible cockpit error in the deadly crash of an Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner on June 12, which killed 260 people, including 19 on the ground. A preliminary investigation by India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) revealed that the aircraft lost power seconds after takeoff, leading to a fiery crash into a building on a nearby medical college campus.
According to a Wall Street Journal report citing sources familiar with the early U.S. assessment, cockpit voice recordings captured a tense exchange between the pilots. The First Officer, Clive Kunder, reportedly questioned Captain Sumeet Sabharwal about switching off the fuel supply shortly after takeoff. Sabharwal responded, denying that he had done so.
The AAIB confirmed that both engine fuel switches were moved to the “cutoff” position just seconds after takeoff—one second apart—causing a loss of thrust. CCTV footage showed the deployment of the aircraft’s ram air turbine, a backup energy source that activates during power loss.
The plane climbed to 650 feet before losing altitude. Though the fuel switches were quickly returned to the “run” position and the engines attempted an automatic restart, the aircraft was too low and slow to recover. It struck trees and a chimney before crashing in flames.
Of the 242 people onboard, 241 died, along with 19 on the ground. Only one person survived.
The AAIB’s preliminary report found no mechanical or maintenance-related faults, and all required maintenance had been completed. Boeing and GE, the aircraft and engine manufacturers, were not issued any safety recommendations in the report.
Air India CEO Campbell Wilson, in an internal memo, reiterated that the incident did not appear linked to technical issues. Boeing and the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) later confirmed that the fuel switch locking mechanisms are functioning correctly.
Despite the absence of conclusive evidence that either pilot intentionally moved the switches, aviation expert John Nance noted that all signs point to human error, particularly since there is “no other rational explanation” supported by current data.
The tragedy has reignited calls for installing cockpit image recorders to aid investigations. Nance emphasized that video footage of the cockpit could have been crucial in understanding exactly what happened during those critical moments.
Meanwhile, Air India remains under broader scrutiny. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency recently announced plans to investigate Air India Express, the airline’s low-cost subsidiary, after allegations surfaced about falsified maintenance records and failure to comply with engine directives.
A final report on the crash is expected within a year, by international aviation standards.
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