Investigators Uncover Critical Evidence in Air India Plane Crash

The preliminary report on the disastrous Air India Flight 171 reveals fuel cutoff as a potential focus, raising serious questions about the pilots’ actions, amidst a tragedy that has marked India's aviation history.

Seconds after takeoff, Air India Flight 171 experienced a catastrophic failure when fuel was abruptly cut off from both engines, as indicated by investigators in a preliminary report released on Friday. This assessment, derived from the aircraft's voice and data recorder, has intensified scrutiny regarding the actions of the flight crew while seemingly negating any possibilities of mechanical or design failures.

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau of India noted an exchange in the cockpit just before the incident; one pilot questioned why the fuel had been cut, while the other denied making such a decision. This critical moment raises significant concerns about decision-making protocols in the cockpit.

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner met its tragic end on June 12 shortly after departing from the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad, bound for London. The crash resulted in the deaths of 241 out of the 242 individuals aboard the flight, alongside fatal casualties on the ground, bringing the total loss of life to over 270. This incident marks the deadliest aviation disaster in India since 1996.

The flight boasted a highly experienced crew, with Captain Sumeet Sabharwal holding over 10,000 hours of flight experience and First Officer Clive Kunder with approximately 3,400 hours. Initial reports had underestimated the crew’s combined experience, suggesting a need for a comprehensive review of the pilots' backgrounds in light of their expertise.

The international aviation community is closely monitoring the investigation as the full implications of this tragic event unfold, with further details expected to emerge in the coming days.