Fuel Cut-Off Investigated in Air India Flight 171 Crash

The investigation into the Air India Flight 171 crash is honing in on suspicious actions taken by the pilots moments before takeoff, as the fuel supply was cut off to both engines, leading to the fatal incident that killed 241 people.

On June 12, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, which was departing from Ahmedabad on its way to London, experienced a loss of power shortly after takeoff. A preliminary assessment from the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau noted that the cockpit recordings revealed a conversation where one pilot questioned the fuel cutoff initiated by the other, who denied making the switch. This newfound focus on pilot error has raised doubts over mechanical failure as the cause, with the report indicating that no recommended actions will be issued to Boeing or engine manufacturer General Electric.

The crash, described as India’s most devastating aviation disaster since 1996, also claimed numerous lives on the ground as the aircraft collided with a medical college's dining hall. Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, boasting over 10,000 hours of flying expertise, and First Officer Clive Kunder, with about 3,400 hours, were at the helm during this tragic incident. Authorities previously miscalculated their total flying experience but later clarified that the pilots indeed had substantial qualifications.

This unfolding investigation is expected to scrutinize further details on the sequences leading to the disaster, as families and the nation seek explanations for the catastrophic event.