A preliminary report into the devastating crash of an Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner is expected by Friday, with investigators zeroing in on the movement of the aircraft’s engine fuel control switches, according to sources familiar with the probe.
The June 12 crash, which occurred moments after takeoff from Ahmedabad en route to London, claimed the lives of 241 passengers and crew, along with casualties on the ground. Flight data and cockpit voice recordings reportedly indicated a sudden loss of thrust shortly after the plane reached 650 feet in altitude, prompting investigators to examine the fuel switches that control engine power.
Boeing, which assisted in simulations of the aircraft’s final moments, has declined to comment. However, according to aviation experts, including U.S. safety specialist John Cox, the fuel switches are unlikely to be accidentally triggered due to their design. “You can’t bump them and they move,” Cox said, stressing that if a switch were turned off, engine power would be cut almost immediately.
While the investigation has not pointed to a mechanical failure, it has also not ruled out improper, inadvertent, or intentional actions involving the fuel switches. Sources say the black box data has yet to conclusively determine the sequence of events, keeping multiple theories on the table.
India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), which is leading the probe under international aviation rules, has faced criticism for the limited public information released so far. The flight data took nearly two weeks to be retrieved, and the Indian government has held only one press briefing without fielding questions.
In a reversal of an earlier stance, India has now allowed an International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) specialist to observe the probe, a rare move that reflects growing international scrutiny.
The crash is a major setback for the Tata Group’s efforts to revamp Air India’s image after acquiring the airline in 2022. It also raises broader concerns about aviation safety in India, especially as the country aims to become a global aviation hub. Lawmakers are set to question industry officials on the crash and overall sector safety this week.
