The investigation into last month’s tragic Air India Dreamliner crash in Ahmedabad remains “far from over,” as emphasized by CEO Campbell Wilson in an internal memo. Wilson reiterated the airline’s commitment to transparency and its openness to further inquiries, cautioning against “premature conclusions” regarding the event.
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This memo, which was reviewed by Reuters, follows a preliminary report indicating significant confusion within the cockpit moments before the crash, leading to the loss of 260 lives. Investigators noted that both engine fuel cutoff switches activated nearly simultaneously, depriving the engines of fuel and contributing to the disaster.
The Boeing 787 Dreamliner, en route from Ahmedabad to London, began to experience a loss of thrust and altitude shortly after takeoff. This report marks the world’s deadliest aviation accident in the past decade, a somber milestone that calls for thorough examination and understanding.
According to the memo, the preliminary findings revealed no mechanical or maintenance issues, confirming that all mandatory maintenance procedures had been followed diligently. Wilson stated, “The safety and reliability of our fleet are of utmost importance, and we remain committed to uncovering the truth.”
In a detailed 15-page report, the investigative bureau disclosed that once the aircraft reached its highest recorded speed, “the Engine 1 and Engine 2 fuel cutoff switches transitioned from RUN to CUTOFF position with a mere one-second interval.” This alarming sequence was captured in the cockpit voice recordings, where one pilot questioned the other about the fuel cutoff, only to be met with a denial of any action taken. This miscommunication was a pivotal moment in the unfolding tragedy.
As the aircraft began to rapidly descend, the switches reverted back to the “RUN” position, seemingly allowing the engines to gain power. Yet, amidst growing alarm, a pilot issued a “MAYDAY MAYDAY MAYDAY” call. Air traffic controllers promptly inquired about the situation, but were blindsided when the aircraft crashed moments later, prompting an immediate dispatch of emergency personnel.
Recently, the specialist site The Air Current reported that investigators have “narrowed their focus to the movement of the engine fuel switches,” though they cautioned that a comprehensive analysis may take “months—if not longer.” They acknowledged that the investigation’s focus may evolve as new information surfaces.
In a noteworthy disclosure, the Indian agency’s report referred to a 2018 bulletin from the US Federal Aviation Administration, regarding “the potential disengagement of the fuel control switch locking feature.” While this issue was not classified as an “unsafe condition” necessitating urgent action, Air India indicated that it had not conducted the suggested inspections, citing that they were “advisory and not mandatory.”
Amidst the devastation, one passenger—a British citizen—miraculously survived and was seen emerging from the wreckage. Health officials in Gujarat initially reported a death toll of at least 279, but forensic teams later adjusted this figure after identifying the remains of victims, some of which were tragically scattered and severely burnt.
While the investigation continues, the report concludes that all of Air India’s operations were in line with airworthiness directives and service bulletins related to the aircraft. The bureau stated there were “no recommended actions for B787-8 and/or GE GEnx-1B engine operators and manufacturers,” indicating no technical faults with either the engines or the aircraft itself.
As the investigation unfolds, authorities are actively pursuing additional evidence and information from relevant stakeholders. The United Nations’ International Civil Aviation Organization mandates that a preliminary report be submitted within 30 days following an accident, and both US and British air accident investigators are involved in the ongoing inquiry.
The aircraft was carrying 230 passengers—comprised of 169 Indians, 53 British, seven Portuguese, and one Canadian—alongside 12 crew members, and dozens of individuals on the ground were injured in the unfortunate event.
As we remember the lives lost in this tragedy, the importance of meticulous investigation and accountability in the aviation sector cannot be overstated. With each step taken towards uncovering the truth, we honor those who were impacted by this catastrophic incident.
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International–Monitoring.
