VOIWORLD/DESK
Initial probe report into Air India Ahmedabad to London flight crash on June 12 in Ahmedabad, killing at least 260 is out.
This preliminary investigation report on the Air India Boeing 787-8 crash in Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025, highlights a deeply concerning sequence of events and systemic gaps. Here’s a concise summary and analysis of the key findings:
What Happened?
Crash Timing: The aircraft lifted off at 1:38:39 p.m. and crashed within a minute, at 1:39 p.m., just outside the airport boundary.
Critical Failure:
At 1:38:42 p.m. (just 3 seconds after liftoff), the fuel control switches for both engines shifted from RUN to CUTOFF, resulting in loss of engine thrust.
The switches transitioned one after another, with a 1-second interval.
Cockpit Activity:
The cockpit voice recorder captured one pilot asking the other, “Why did you cut off?”, to which the other replied, “I didn’t.”
The report does not clarify which pilot said what — nor does it provide the full CVR transcript.
Captain Sumeet Sabharwal (8,200 hours) was monitoring the flight.
First Officer Clive Kundar (1,100 hours) was flying the aircraft.
Technical and Regulatory Lapses:
The fuel control switches are supposed to be locked in the RUN position during flight.
A 2018 FAA advisory had warned of a possible disengagement of the locking feature.
Air India did not comply, citing its advisory (non-mandatory) status.
No recent maintenance issues were reported with the switch or throttle module (last replaced in 2023).
Expert Concerns & Accountability:
Amit Singh, aviation safety expert:
“Until the investigation explains how a supposedly locked fuel switch could have moved to CUTOFF and provides a detailed sequence of failure messages and aircraft response, the full truth remains elusive.”
A parliamentary panel has now demanded written responses from Air India on safety compliance and protocols.
Key Unanswered Questions:
Was the switch movement manual, accidental, or system-induced?
Why was the FAA advisory not acted upon proactively, given its safety implications?
Could the pilots have inadvertently activated the switches — or was it a mechanical/electrical fault?
Why was the cockpit voice recording not fully transcribed or disclosed?
Fatalities: At least 260 lives were lost.
Conclusion (So Far):
The report opens more questions than it answers. While engine shutdown due to fuel switch cutoff is established as the immediate cause, the root cause remains unclear — whether it was human error, technical malfunction, or procedural oversight. The delayed compliance with the FAA advisory and gaps in pilot communication protocols will be under heavy scrutiny going forward.
