Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, Jul 12: A preliminary investigation into the June 12 Air India crash that killed 260 people has revealed cockpit confusion surrounding critical engine fuel cut-off switches, raising serious safety concerns.

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) report states that both engines of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner lost power shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad en route to London, following the near-simultaneous flipping of the fuel switches from “run” to ‘cut-off’ — a move that starved the engines of fuel.

Almost immediately after liftoff, a backup power system — the ram air turbine — deployed, confirming engine failure. CCTV footage and black box recordings indicate the aircraft lost thrust and rapidly descended before crashing, in what is now the world's deadliest aviation accident in a decade.

Cockpit voice recordings revealed a moment of confusion between the two pilots: one questioned the other about cutting off the fuel, only to be told he had not done it. It remains unclear who made which statement, and which pilot issued the ‘Mayday’ distress call.

Capt Sumeet Sabharwal and co-pilot Clive Kunder were in command of the flight.

Investigators found no mechanical faults and have not attributed blame to Boeing or engine manufacturer GE. Experts note that fuel switches are not easily flipped accidentally and are typically used only at the gate or in emergencies. No such emergency was recorded.

Interestingly, while both switches were found in the ‘run’ position at the crash site — indicating an attempt to restart the engines — investigators confirmed they had been briefly flipped to ‘cut-off’ just after take-off.

The crash poses a major challenge to Tata Group’s ongoing efforts to revive Air India’s global reputation following its acquisition from the government in 2022. The final report is expected to address how and why the switches were toggled during a critical phase of flight.