Ahmedabad: The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has released its preliminary findings into the Air India flight AI 171 crash that claimed 260 lives last month. According to the 15-page report released on Thursday night, fuel supply to both engines of the Boeing 787-8 aircraft was cut off seconds after takeoff from Ahmedabad, resulting in the deadly crash.
The report stated that immediately after lift-off, both engine fuel control switches transitioned from ‘RUN’ to ‘CUTOFF’ position, one after another, with a gap of one second between them. This led to a complete loss of thrust and caused the aircraft to crash within 30 seconds of takeoff.
Cockpit voice recordings have revealed a brief exchange between the pilots. One pilot reportedly asked the other, “Why did you switch off the fuel supply to the engines?”, to which the other replied, “I did not.” Although the fuel control switches were turned back on later, the deceleration in one of the engines could not be reversed.
AAIB has confirmed that both pilots had adequate rest prior to the flight. It also noted that no immediate action has been recommended for Boeing 787-8 or GEnx-1B engine operators at this stage. Fuel samples collected from the bowsers and tanks used to refuel the aircraft were tested at the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) lab and found to be satisfactory.
The crash occurred when the Dreamliner, en route to London Gatwick, went down into the hostel premises of BJ Medical College near the Ahmedabad airport. Of the 242 people on board, only one passenger survived. Additionally, 19 people on the ground lost their lives.
The AAIB is continuing its investigation and is in the process of collecting further evidence from stakeholders.
In a statement released today, Air India said it is cooperating fully with regulators and stakeholders and will continue to assist authorities in the ongoing probe.
BI Bureau
