The preliminary report into the devastating crash of Air India Flight 171 last month has ignited a flurry of speculation about its causes, particularly surrounding the actions of the pilots. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner, which was bound for London, tragically crashed into a building shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad, resulting in the loss of 241 lives aboard and 19 on the ground, with only one survivor.
India's Air Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) released a 15-page preliminary report on Saturday, fulfilling its obligation under international protocols to provide timely updates on air accident investigations. US interests, including Boeing and GE Aerospace, have a stake in the proceedings due to their roles as aircraft and engine manufacturers, respectively. However, the report has drawn both attention and controversy without offering definitive conclusions.
Key details in the AAIB report indicate that two fuel cut-off switches were inadvertently moved to the "cut-off" position shortly after take-off, resulting in the engines losing thrust. Although flight recorder data indicates an attempt to restart the engines, it was too late to avert catastrophe. The report highlights a critical exchange between pilots, one asking the other, "why did you cut off?", to which the response was, "I did not do so." However, the report does not provide a complete transcript or clarify which pilot was involved.
Despite the AAIB’s duty to release information, the lack of crucial data—especially a transcript from the cockpit voice recorder—has drawn significant criticism from aviation experts. Many believe that the report selectively presents details while withholding information that could provide further clarity. Concerns were raised about previous incidents related to fuel cut-off switches in Boeing aircraft, which were highlighted in a Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin issued by the FAA in 2018. However, the FAA later reaffirmed that no safety compromises were evident in relation to the reported switch concerns.
Commentators have speculated about the possibility of intentional pilot error, sparking backlash from the Indian Commercial Pilots’ Association, which warned against making such claims based on incomplete information. Air India’s CEO echoed this sentiment, urging caution in drawing premature conclusions.
Experts note that many unanswered questions remain, including a lack of context regarding cockpit communications during the critical moments leading to the crash. The vagueness of the report has led to fears that fragments of information might be maneuvered to control the narrative surrounding the tragedy.
As stakeholders await a final report—which may take up to a year and beyond—investigators face mounting pressure to provide a comprehensive account that honors the memory of the lives lost and addresses the lingering fears regarding aviation safety.
India's Air Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) released a 15-page preliminary report on Saturday, fulfilling its obligation under international protocols to provide timely updates on air accident investigations. US interests, including Boeing and GE Aerospace, have a stake in the proceedings due to their roles as aircraft and engine manufacturers, respectively. However, the report has drawn both attention and controversy without offering definitive conclusions.
Key details in the AAIB report indicate that two fuel cut-off switches were inadvertently moved to the "cut-off" position shortly after take-off, resulting in the engines losing thrust. Although flight recorder data indicates an attempt to restart the engines, it was too late to avert catastrophe. The report highlights a critical exchange between pilots, one asking the other, "why did you cut off?", to which the response was, "I did not do so." However, the report does not provide a complete transcript or clarify which pilot was involved.
Despite the AAIB’s duty to release information, the lack of crucial data—especially a transcript from the cockpit voice recorder—has drawn significant criticism from aviation experts. Many believe that the report selectively presents details while withholding information that could provide further clarity. Concerns were raised about previous incidents related to fuel cut-off switches in Boeing aircraft, which were highlighted in a Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin issued by the FAA in 2018. However, the FAA later reaffirmed that no safety compromises were evident in relation to the reported switch concerns.
Commentators have speculated about the possibility of intentional pilot error, sparking backlash from the Indian Commercial Pilots’ Association, which warned against making such claims based on incomplete information. Air India’s CEO echoed this sentiment, urging caution in drawing premature conclusions.
Experts note that many unanswered questions remain, including a lack of context regarding cockpit communications during the critical moments leading to the crash. The vagueness of the report has led to fears that fragments of information might be maneuvered to control the narrative surrounding the tragedy.
As stakeholders await a final report—which may take up to a year and beyond—investigators face mounting pressure to provide a comprehensive account that honors the memory of the lives lost and addresses the lingering fears regarding aviation safety.
