Fuel Cut-Off Caused Air India Crash, But Key Questions Remain

 

The preliminary report into the Air India Flight 171 crash has revealed significant but incomplete details, sparking widespread speculation. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad en route to London, killing 241 people on board and 19 on the ground. One passenger survived. The report from India’s Air Accident Investigation Bureau, released within the required 30-day period, does not reach conclusions but includes troubling information about the incident. Notably, it states that both engine fuel cut-off switches were flipped shortly after takeoff, cutting power to the engines. Though the engines were restarted, it was too late to avoid disaster. The switches are designed to be difficult to activate accidentally, as they have a locking mechanism. A partial mention of a cockpit exchange – one pilot allegedly asking why the fuel was cut off and the other denying responsibility – is included, but there is no full transcript, leaving the dialogue unclear. Experts have questioned the omission of cockpit voice recordings and the lack of detail between the switch action and the engine restart. Critics argue the report appears selective, possibly suggesting an intentional act without making direct accusations. Aviation analysts and the Indian Pilots Association warn against premature speculation, especially concerning pilot intent, citing the lack of verified evidence and ethical responsibility. Concerns are also raised over references to a 2018 FAA bulletin about cut-off switch issues, which some believe are irrelevant as the affected module on this aircraft had been replaced. Analysts suspect vital data is being withheld, either to avoid blame or due to ongoing analysis. The report provides more questions than clarity, leaving the cause of the crash unresolved and demanding further investigation.

See also: Trump’s New Spending Bill May Shrink Medicaid Coverage and Hike Insurer Costs

While India's aviation investigators have released an initial report on the Air India Flight 171 crash, key facts remain unclear, leading to growing frustration among experts and the public. The report’s failure to include the cockpit voice recorder transcript and detailed analysis of the final cockpit moments has drawn criticism from engineers, pilots, and accident specialists. Some claim this omission appears intentional or protective in nature. A central issue is the flipping of both engine fuel cut-off switches shortly after takeoff. Normally used only when powering engines on or off, these switches were somehow activated mid-flight. A brief mention of pilot confusion is included, but without naming speakers or context, it lacks credibility. Experts argue that until this communication is disclosed in full, understanding the crash’s true cause is impossible. The Indian Commercial Pilots Association has condemned the rise in theories suggesting pilot suicide, stating these are based on incomplete data and harm both public trust and the dignity of those involved. Air India’s CEO has echoed this, urging staff not to rush to judgment. Further complicating the matter, the report references a 2018 FAA advisory regarding loose locking mechanisms on similar switches. But experts argue this detail is not relevant, as this aircraft’s throttle module was replaced two years prior. The FAA itself has reiterated that the issue did not pose a safety risk. As the investigation continues, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation has ordered all affected aircraft inspected by 21 July. However, industry insiders believe the real story may remain untold for months or even years. The report, though factual on the surface, leaves gaps too large to ignore, fuelling suspicions that authorities are being selective with what they release.

See also: (In US) Pastor John MacArthur, Renowned Theologian and "Grace to You" Founder, Passes Away at 86