Air India Flight AI 171 Crash: Preliminary Report Reveals Engine Fuel Control Switches Transitioned to ‘CUTOFF’ Position Moments After Lift-Off
The preliminary report of the investigation into the June 12 crash of Air India flight AI 171 has shed light on the circumstances surrounding the worst aviation disaster involving an Indian airline in four decades. The report reveals that the Boeing 787-8 aircraft’s engine fuel control switches transitioned from ‘RUN’ to ‘CUTOFF’ position within a second of each other moments after lift-off, leading to a tragic accident that killed 260 people. The investigation is ongoing, and the final report is expected to be released within a year of the crash.
The crash of Air India flight AI 171 on June 12 has sent shockwaves across the aviation industry, with the preliminary report of the investigation providing a glimpse into the circumstances surrounding the disaster. The flight, which was operating from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, crashed just moments after lift-off, resulting in the loss of 260 lives. According to the report, the engine fuel control switches on the Boeing 787-8 aircraft transitioned from ‘RUN’ to ‘CUTOFF’ position within a second of each other, leading to a loss of thrust and ultimately, the crash. The pilots, Sumeet Sabharwal and Clive Kundar, had sufficient experience and rest periods before the flight, but the report suggests that the movement of the fuel control switches was a deliberate action, although it is unclear whether it was intentional or not.
Investigation Overview
The investigation into the crash is being conducted by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), which released the preliminary report post-midnight. The report provides a detailed account of the flight’s last moments, including the transition of the engine fuel control switches and the pilots’ attempts to recover thrust. The report also notes that the aircraft’s flap position was at 5 degrees, which is consistent with take-off flap settings, and that there were no weather-related issues with the flight. The investigation is ongoing, with the AAIB gathering more information and analyzing the black box data.
Key Highlights of the Preliminary Report
Some of the key highlights of the preliminary report include:
* The engine fuel control switches transitioned from ‘RUN’ to ‘CUTOFF’ position within a second of each other moments after lift-off.
* The pilots attempted to recover thrust by transitioning the switches back to ‘RUN’ position, but it was too late.
* The aircraft’s flap position was at 5 degrees, which is consistent with take-off flap settings.
* There were no weather-related issues with the flight.
* The aircraft’s take-off weight was well within permissible limits for the given conditions.
* There were no ‘dangerous goods’ on board the plane.
Reaction from Airline Pilots and Experts
Airline pilots and experts have expressed shock and surprise at the preliminary report’s findings, with many questioning how the fuel control switches could have been moved accidentally. The switches have brackets on either side to protect them, and there is a stop lock mechanism that requires the pilots to lift the switch before moving it from either of its two positions—RUN and CUTOFF—to the other. “The movement of the fuel control switches is a deliberate action, and it’s next to impossible for it to happen accidentally,” said one expert. “The investigation needs to determine whether the switches were toggled by one of the pilots or not.”
US Federal Aviation Administration’s Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin
The preliminary report also mentions that the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) had issued a Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin (SAIB) in 2018 regarding the “potential disengagement of the fuel control switch locking feature”. However, Air India did not carry out the inspection as the SAIB was merely advisory and not mandatory. The report notes that the scrutiny of maintenance records revealed that the cockpit’s throttle control module—which houses the fuel control switches among others—was replaced in 2019 and 2023, but the reason for replacement was not linked to the fuel control switches.
Next Steps in the Investigation
The investigation into the crash of Air India flight AI 171 is ongoing, with the AAIB gathering more information and analyzing the black box data. The final report is expected to be released within a year of the crash. In the meantime, the AAIB has completed wreckage site activities, including drone photography and videography, and has quarantined the engines and components of interest for further examination. The investigation team will review and examine additional evidence, records, and information that is being sought from stakeholders.
Conclusion:
The crash of Air India flight AI 171 is a tragic reminder of the risks and uncertainties of air travel. The preliminary report of the investigation provides a glimpse into the circumstances surrounding the disaster, but many questions remain unanswered. As the investigation continues, it is essential to determine the cause of the crash and take necessary steps to prevent such accidents in the future.
Keywords:
Air India, Flight AI 171, Boeing 787-8, engine fuel control switches, Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau, US Federal Aviation Administration, Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin, aviation safety, air travel risks.
Hashtags:
#AirIndia #FlightAI171 #Boeing7878 #AviationSafety #AirTravelRisks #AircraftAccidentInvestigationBureau #USFederalAviationAdministration #SpecialAirworthinessInformationBulletin
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