A preliminary investigation into last month’s tragic Air India crash, which claimed the lives of 260 people, has revealed that confusion among the flight crew over the aircraft’s engine fuel cutoff switch may have played a significant role in the disaster.
According to the early findings, the cockpit voice recordings and flight data showed that moments before the crash, there was a miscommunication or misjudgment concerning the correct operation of the engine’s fuel control system. Investigators say the pilots appeared uncertain about the switch movements, potentially contributing to the loss of engine power at a critical stage of flight.
The aircraft, which was en route to its destination with a full load of passengers, went down shortly after takeoff, prompting an intensive probe by aviation authorities. The report highlights that standard operating procedures may not have been properly followed or understood during the incident.
Though the final report is still pending, officials stress that the early findings underscore the importance of rigorous training and clarity in cockpit procedures, especially during high-stress scenarios.
Air India and the country’s aviation regulator have expressed condolences to the families of the victims and assured the public of full cooperation with international aviation bodies to determine the exact cause and prevent future tragedies.