Ahmedabad, India – The preliminary investigation report into the tragic crash of the Air India Boeing Dreamliner 787-8 in Ahmedabad on June 12 has confirmed that both engines of the aircraft shut down mid-air within seconds of takeoff, resulting in the fatal accident that claimed at least 270 lives, including 241 of the 242 people on board.
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) released the report early Saturday, revealing that the fuel cutoff switches, which control fuel supply to the engines, shifted from the ‘RUN’ to the ‘CUTOFF’ position in rapid succession, within a second of each other. Crucially, cockpit voice recordings capture one pilot asking, “Why did you cut off?” and the other replying, “I didn’t,” highlighting the perplexity surrounding the sudden fuel cutoff.
The report notes the deployment of the Ram Air Turbine (RAT) immediately after takeoff, signalling a complete loss of power and thrust. CCTV footage from the airport showed the RAT deploying during the aircraft’s initial climb, followed by a rapid loss of altitude before the plane crashed into the BJ Medical College Hostel near the airport at 1:39 pm.
Data from the black box indicated that the fuel control switches were later moved back to ‘RUN.’ Engine 1 showed signs of recovery while Engine 2 failed to regain full power despite repeated attempts to relight.
The AAIB dismissed speculation of sabotage, citing no immediate evidence. It also referred to a 2018 Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) advisory concerning the potential disengagement of the fuel control switch locking feature. Although Air India had not conducted the inspections suggested by this advisory, they were not mandatory.
Maintenance records showed the throttle control module had been replaced twice on the aircraft, but these replacements were unrelated to the fuel control switches. Weather conditions were clear with good visibility, and pilots were medically fit, well-rested, and experienced.
The investigation will now focus on understanding the cause behind the inadvertent fuel cutoff that led to this devastating crash.