Preliminary Findings on Air India Crash Released

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has released a preliminary report on the Air India crash that occurred last month on a flight from Ahmedabad to London. The report suggests a possible fuel switch error as a contributing factor to the crash, which resulted in significant loss of life. According to the findings, both fuel switches for the aircraft’s engines were turned off, leading to confusion among the pilots and ultimately causing the plane to crash shortly after takeoff.

Minister’s Call for Caution

Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu has cautioned against drawing conclusions from the preliminary report. He emphasized the importance of waiting for the final report before making any judgments. Minister Naidu praised the efforts of Indian pilots and crew, highlighting their dedication and professionalism as vital to the country’s civil aviation sector. He also expressed his commitment to supporting the families affected by the tragedy.

Technical Aspects of the Investigation

The AAIB’s initial report details that one pilot questioned why the fuel was cut off, while the other denied doing so. The aircraft reached a maximum speed of 180 Knots IAS before both engine fuel cutoff switches were activated in quick succession. This led to a decrease in engine power, ultimately causing the crash. The AAIB is conducting a thorough investigation, including analysis of fuel samples and data from the black box, which remains in India for examination.

Efforts to Ensure Transparency

Minister Naidu commended the AAIB for its transparent handling of the investigation, noting that this is the first time such an extensive probe is being conducted entirely within India. He assured that international standards are being adhered to throughout the process.

Impact on Local Community

The crash had devastating effects on the local community, particularly at BJ Medical College in Meghaninagar, where several students and their relatives were among those killed. Only one person aboard survived, underscoring the severity of the incident. The Ministry of Civil Aviation continues to work towards providing assistance to those affected by this tragic event.