Investigation Reveals Fuel Cut-off as Key Factor in Air India Crash
Initial investigation points to fuel cut-off as critical factor in Air India crash that left 260 dead.
Key Points
- • Fuel supply cut off to engines prior to crash, leading to power loss.
- • Crash on June 12, 2025, resulted in 260 fatalities, including 241 on board.
- • Pilot communication revealed confusion over fuel cut-off just before the accident.
- • Air India reportedly did not complete some FAA-recommended inspections.
A preliminary investigation into the tragic Air India crash of June 12, 2025, has revealed that the fuel supply to the aircraft's engines was cut off shortly before the disaster, which resulted in the loss of 260 lives. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner was en route from Ahmedabad when it crashed shortly after takeoff, killing 241 individuals aboard and another 19 on the ground.
On July 12, a report from the Indian Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) disclosed that the aircraft’s fuel switches were turned to the "off" position just before the accident. In the cockpit, the pilots had an exchange discussing the unexpected fuel cut. One of the pilots queried the other about why the fuel had been cut, to which the response was that the other pilot had not done so. This moment of confusion occurred when the aircraft had reached a speed of 180 knots (333 km/h) and began losing power immediately as the engines shut down.
A distress signal, known as "Mayday", was issued less than a minute before the aircraft crashed into residential areas. Experts are now focusing on understanding the sequence of events surrounding the fuel switch movements. Investigators from the United States and the United Kingdom are also participating in the inquiry, highlighting the international interest in uncovering the crash’s causes.
Despite the gravity of the situation, Air India stated that they adhered to all operational guidelines and navigability directives but noted that some recommended inspections by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) of the United States had not been completed. In response to the tragedy, Boeing has expressed condolences and committed to cooperating with the ongoing investigation.
This crash represents one of the significant aviation disasters in recent history, raising questions about safety protocols and the adherence to inspection recommendations within the airline industry.
As the investigation progresses, findings regarding the operational errors leading to the fuel cut-off will likely inform future aviation safety regulations and protocols in hopes of preventing such tragic incidents in the future.