Preliminary Findings on Air India Plane Crash Reveal Critical Details

Investigation Insights into the Air India Crash

New Delhi, July 12: According to the initial report from the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), the fuel control switches of the Air India aircraft were deactivated and subsequently reactivated before the tragic crash in Ahmedabad on June 12, which resulted in the loss of 260 lives.

The AAIB's report, released a month after the incident, indicated that there are currently no recommended actions for operators of the Boeing 787-8.

In the 15-page document, the Bureau noted that fuel samples collected from the refueling bowsers and tanks were analyzed at the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) laboratory and deemed satisfactory.

"Only a minimal amount of fuel samples could be retrieved from the APU filter and the Refuel/Jettison valve located on the left wing. Testing of these samples will occur at a facility equipped to handle the limited quantity available," the report stated.

The aircraft took off at 08:08:39 UTC (13:38:39 IST), and shortly after, at 08:09:05 UTC (13:39:05 IST), one of the pilots issued a distress call, stating, “Mayday, mayday, mayday.”

According to the report, the Air Traffic Controller (ATCO) sought clarification on the call sign but received no response. The ATCO then observed the aircraft crashing outside the airport perimeter and initiated an emergency response.

Referring to data from the Enhanced Airborne Flight Recorder (EAFR), the AAIB reported that just after the aircraft reached its highest recorded airspeed, the fuel cut-off switches for both engines transitioned from RUN to CUTOFF in a sequence with a one-second interval.

The report indicated that the engine N1 and N2 readings began to drop from their take-off levels as the fuel supply was interrupted.

In the cockpit voice recording, one pilot questioned the other about the fuel cut-off, to which the other pilot replied that he had not initiated it.

This preliminary report was eagerly awaited as it aimed to shed light on the factors contributing to the crash, marking one of the most severe aviation disasters in India in recent decades and the first hull loss involving a Boeing 787.

The AAIB confirmed that activities at the wreckage site, including drone imaging, have been completed, and the wreckage has been relocated to a secure area near the airport.

Both engines have been retrieved from the crash site and are currently quarantined in a hangar at the airport. Key components for further examination have also been identified and secured.

The AAIB is in the process of gathering more information based on initial findings, and data from the forward Enhanced Airborne Flight Recorder (EAFR) is under analysis.

The aircraft involved in the crash was equipped with GEnx-1B engines.

Investigators have collected statements from witnesses and the sole surviving passenger.

A thorough analysis of the postmortem reports for both crew and passengers is underway to align aeromedical findings with engineering assessments, as stated by the AAIB.

The investigation is ongoing, with the team set to review and analyze additional evidence, records, and information from relevant stakeholders.

On June 12, Air India's Boeing 787-8, operating flight AI 171 to London Gatwick, tragically crashed into a medical hostel complex shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad, resulting in 260 fatalities, including 241 individuals aboard the aircraft.

Only one passenger survived the incident.