QUICK Air India crash report. The investigation focuses on fuel switches

Indian investigators are preparing to print a preliminary study on 1 of the most tragic aviation disasters of the last decade. 241 people were killed in the plane crash of Air India on June 12. Boeing 787 Dreamliner flying from Ahmedabad to London crashed shortly after takeoff. According to unofficial information, the key component in the analysis of researchers became the operation of fuel control switches in the cockpit of the machine. The publication of the study is awaited by experts and public opinion, casting light on the possible causes of the tragedy that shook the planet of aviation.

What do we know about the 787 Dreamliner Boeing crash?

The tragedy occurred on June 12 erstwhile the Boeing 787 Dreamliner of the Air India line took off from Ahmedabad Airport. The device was expected to land in London. Unfortunately, the flight ended shortly after reaching an altitude of about 200 metres. The plane crashed and only 1 of 242 on board survived the crash. The balance of the victims – 241 killed – makes this event the most tragic plane crash in many years.

The fact that a modern wide-hull plane crashed just after takeoff, at specified a tiny height, raised immediate questions about the cause. first reports focused on various aspects, from possible method problems to human factors. The scale of the tragedy put Indian air services before a immense investigative challenge.

The investigation focuses on the key element. No method failure?

The findings of Reuter and the manufacture portal Air Current show that the investigation by the Indian Aviation Accident Investigation Office (AAIB) is presently focusing on the operation of fuel control switches in the cockpit. Analysis of data from flight data recorders and cockpit conversations, as well as the preliminary findings of Boeing, the aircraft manufacturer, directed the attention of researchers to this area.

Importantly, the erstwhile investigation no mechanical failure has been demonstratedwhich could be the direct origin of the disaster. Air India has besides not received any recommendations on how to change the operation of this peculiar aircraft model after the event. Available data from black boxes, although crucial, at this phase do not let either to exclude or confirm the unintentional or intentional actions of the crew that may have taken place before the apparent failure of engine thrust.

Could the pilot have made a mistake? Hypotheses and expert opinions.

Due to the focus of the investigation on fuel control switches, there have been hypotheses suggesting that the pilot may have accidentally moved the engine power switch, leading to power loss. However, this anticipation is controversial among experts.

American aviation safety expert John Cox categorically rejects the anticipation of accidentally touching and moving these switches. As he stated, they are designed to minimise specified risks. Cox besides added that if specified a control is switched off, the effect – cutting the engine power – is almost instantaneous. Although most of the aviation accidents are the consequence of many overlapping factors, current findings indicate that researchers focus at least partially on engine thrust and possible causes of loss.

When do we get the authoritative findings? Challenges of the investigation.

The first study of Indian investigators was to be published on Friday (about 30 days after the crash), although these plans may have changed and the exact date of publication is uncertain. It is besides unclear how much details will be disclosed in this document. The investigation process was complicated, and data collection and analysis from flight recorders took Indian AAIB about 2 weeks.

The Indian government initially approached with caution global assistance in the investigation. Eventually, however, a typical of the UN global civilian Aviation Organisation (ICAO) joined the investigation team, gaining observer status. The deficiency of full flow of information during the first investigation phase was a certain obstacle to its course.

Context and consequences for Indian aviation.

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner disaster poses a serious challenge for the Tata group, the fresh owner of the Air India line (taken over from the government in 2022). Dad Group has ambitious plans to reconstruct the carrier's reputation and modernise its fleet. specified a tragic event negatively affects the image of the line and may hold the accomplishment of these objectives.

The tragedy besides has wider implications for the full Indian civilian aviation sector. India strives to make the aviation marketplace importantly and wants to become a global aviation hub, like Dubai. safety is crucial to this objective. Next week, Indian parliamentarians are expected to examine the issue of safety in the sector, asking questions to manufacture and government representatives, including the June disaster.

The expected preliminary report, although improbable to bring final decisions, may indicate the first key areas on which the investigation focuses. Confirming the absence of mechanical failures and focusing on cockpit elements specified as fuel switches propose that the investigation will analyse in item the crew's operations at the last moments of flight.