DELHI— A preliminary report on the Air India (AI) crash investigation is expected by Friday, nearly a month after a Boeing 787 Dreamliner bound for London (LHR) crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad (AMD), killing 241 of the 242 people onboard.
Investigators are zeroing in on the movement of the aircraft’s engine fuel control switches as a potential trigger, based on early analysis of flight data and a Boeing-led simulation of the final seconds.
Photo: By Kambui – Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner VT-ANM, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=58290529Air India 787 Crash Investigation
According to sources familiar with the probe, the focus has shifted toward how the fuel control switches—critical to regulating engine thrust—were operated prior to the crash.
These findings emerged after reviewing data from the 787’s flight data and cockpit voice recorders, as well as Boeing’s simulation of the crash profile.
The aircraft began to lose altitude after climbing to just 650 feet before crashing minutes after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (AMD).
One source said no immediate mechanical faults have been identified, and no airworthiness bulletins have been issued regarding the Boeing 787 fleet.
The aviation-focused publication The Air Current first highlighted the investigative focus on the fuel switches. However, it remains unclear whether the investigation suspects unintentional, improper, or deliberate activation of the switches, or if they failed altogether.
U.S. aviation safety expert John Cox noted that the switches are designed to resist accidental engagement, stating, “You can’t bump them and they move.”
If one of the switches was manually turned off, engine thrust would have been lost immediately, potentially aligning with the rapid loss of power witnessed in the crash.
Photo: PM Narendra Modi X HandleInvestigative Process and Global Oversight
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) of India is leading the inquiry in accordance with international protocols.
The report is anticipated roughly 30 days after the June 12 crash, although sources cautioned that the release could be delayed or limited in detail.
The investigation faced early criticism due to slow data extraction from the black boxes and limited public communication. Only one press conference was held, during which no questions were allowed.
Additionally, concerns arose when India initially denied a U.N. aviation expert’s participation in the probe. That decision was later reversed, allowing an International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) representative to observe the proceedings. ICAO did not publicly comment on the matter.
Photo: PM Narendra Modi X HandleSafety Oversight and Industry Implications
The crash comes as a major setback for Air India (AI), now under the Tata Group’s ownership since 2022. The airline is undergoing a fleet overhaul and attempting to rebuild its global brand.
The incident raises broader concerns about India’s aviation safety protocols at a time when the government aims to position India as a global aviation hub, modeled on Dubai (DXB).
In response, a parliamentary committee is scheduled to review civil aviation safety on Wednesday. Lawmakers have summoned key government and industry officials, with the Air India crash expected to be a central topic of inquiry.
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Preliminary Report Submitted on Air India Boeing 787 Crash
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