Air India crash: What happened in the lead up to the disaster?

Key Concepts:

• Air India crash (June)
• Fuel control switches (run/cutoff)
• Cockpit voice recordings
• Mayday call
• Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (India)
• Boeing 787 Dreamliner
• Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
• Fuel switch locks

Investigation Findings and Cockpit Confusion:

The investigation into the Air India crash in June, which resulted in 260 fatalities, has uncovered evidence of significant confusion within the cockpit immediately preceding the crash, which occurred shortly after takeoff. A key finding by Indian investigators reveals that the fuel control switches for both engines were moved from the "run" to the "cutoff" position shortly after the aircraft became airborne.

Chilling Cockpit Exchange:

Cockpit voice recordings captured a disturbing exchange between the two pilots. One pilot is heard questioning the other about why the fuel switch was cut off. The other pilot denied having done so. A "mayday" call was made moments before the plane crashed into a medical college hostel.

Preliminary Report and Lack of Conclusions:

The 15-page preliminary report issued by India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau refrained from drawing any conclusions or assigning blame for the crash. The report also did not identify any emergency situation that would have necessitated an engine cutoff.

Fuel Switch Position at Crash Site:

Crucially, the fuel switches recovered at the crash site were found to be in the "run" position. This indicates that both engines were restarted before the crash.

Expert Opinions on Fuel Switch Operation:

Aviation experts suggest that it is highly improbable for pilots to accidentally move the fuel switches. The operation of these switches requires a deliberate action, involving pulling a toggle out before it can be moved to a different position. It is not a simple, easily-bumped switch.

Unanswered Questions and Deepening Mystery:

The preliminary report has raised more questions than answers, deepening the mystery surrounding the crash. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner was only airborne for less than a minute before the incident.

Government Response and FAA/Boeing Notifications:

India's Civil Aviation Minister has urged the public to avoid premature conclusions and await the full report. The United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Boeing have issued notifications affirming the safety of fuel switch locks on Boeing planes.

Family Demands and Lack of Transparency:

Family members of the victims have criticized the preliminary report as vague and lacking transparency. They are demanding clear answers regarding whether the crash was caused by mechanical failure or human error.

Synthesis/Conclusion:

The preliminary investigation into the Air India crash has revealed a series of troubling events, including the unexplained movement of fuel control switches and a confused exchange between the pilots. While the report avoids assigning blame, it raises serious questions about the circumstances leading to the crash and leaves the families of the victims seeking definitive answers. The focus now shifts to the full investigation and its ability to provide clarity on the causes of this tragic event.