Air India Crash Preliminary Report exposes fuel cut-off error seconds after takeoff
Ahmedabad, July 12, 2025 | Northeast Press
A preliminary investigation into the deadly Air India crash in Ahmedabad last month has revealed a shocking detail — both fuel control switches were found in the cut-off position moments before the aircraft went down, killing 260 people, including those onboard and civilians on the ground.
The revelation, based on data retrieved from Enhanced Airborne Flight Recorders (EAFR) — commonly referred to as black boxes — has added layers of complexity to an already deeply tragic incident.
The flight, operated by a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, crashed shortly after takeoff on a domestic route. The aircraft slammed into a building near a doctors’ hostel, setting off a fire and reducing the structure to rubble. While 241 of the 242 passengers and 19 people on the ground died, one British national, Vishwashkumar Ramesh, emerged as the sole survivor.
Fuel Control Switches in ‘Cut-Off’ Raised Alarm Among Investigators
According to the report, investigators found that both fuel switches had been deliberately or accidentally turned to the cut-off position, a setting that shuts down the aircraft’s engines. In a cockpit voice recording, one pilot is heard asking the other, “Why did you do the cut-off?” — to which the second pilot responds with surprise, denying any such action.
Experts believe that accidentally switching off both fuel controls is highly unlikely. Graham Braithwaite, Director of Aerospace and Aviation at Cranfield University, stated:
“The fuel switch is a critical control protected by safety mechanisms. It requires a deliberate lift-and-shift action, making accidental activation almost impossible.”
He further emphasized that the report does not yet assign blame to the flight crew and encourages investigators to keep an open mind during this stage of analysis.
Black Box Recordings Offer Clues, Not Closure
The black boxes, recovered within four days of the crash, were crucial in piecing together the aircraft’s final moments. The EAFRs contain audio from the cockpit as well as flight parameters such as altitude, engine thrust, and speed. These recordings captured the confusion between the pilots just seconds before the engines were believed to have stopped.
Despite this early insight, the exact cause of the crash remains inconclusive, and experts are urging caution until a comprehensive technical and human factor analysis is completed.
British Survivor Recalls the Horrific Moments
Vishwashkumar Ramesh, the only survivor, recounted the terrifying final moments in an interview with Indian media. Seated at 11A, he described the lights inside the cabin flickering green and white just before the aircraft went into a steep dive.
“It felt like the plane was stuck in the air. Seconds later, it crashed into the ground. There was fire, smoke, and screams. I crawled out through a gaping hole in the fuselage,”
Ramesh said.
His brother, Ajay Ramesh, who was also on board, did not survive. Vishwashkumar carried his brother’s coffin at the funeral just a week after the tragedy.
Death Toll Revised to 260
Initial reports claimed 270 fatalities, but authorities later revised the number to 260 confirmed deaths, including 19 casualties on the ground. The crash occurred at lunchtime when several student doctors were gathered at a nearby canteen, leading to additional civilian casualties.
Setback to Air India’s Revamp and Tata’s Turnaround Plan
The crash comes at a particularly sensitive time for Air India, which has been undergoing a major transformation under the Tata Group, its new private owner since 2022. The airline had shown signs of recovery with improved revenue, streamlined operations, and better customer feedback.
With a record aircraft order, upgraded interiors, and new aircraft such as the Airbus A350 entering service, Air India was inching toward becoming a “world-class carrier” once again. However, this tragedy has cast a long shadow over its ambitious turnaround plan.
A spokesperson for Air India stated that the airline is fully cooperating with the investigation and expressed condolences to the victims’ families. Meanwhile, Boeing issued a statement saying it was deeply saddened and is offering technical support to authorities.
Families Seek Accountability, Not Just Reports
Despite the preliminary findings, for many families, the investigation brings little solace. Shweta Parihar, who lost her husband in the crash, expressed deep grief and anger.
“We trusted the airline. What’s the point of the investigation now? It won’t bring my husband back.”
Conclusion: Questions Linger Over Aviation Safety Protocols
While the Boeing 787 Dreamliner has a strong global safety record, this incident has raised serious concerns about flight operations, cockpit procedures, and aircraft safety checks. With over a billion passengers flown on the 787 worldwide, aviation experts insist that the focus remains on this particular flight and that broader panic is unwarranted.
However, for regulators, airlines, and aircraft manufacturers, the pressure is mounting to deliver clear answers, restore public confidence, and prevent such tragedies in the future.
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