NEW DELHI – A preliminary investigation into the June 12 crash of an Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner has revealed critical cockpit confusion moments before the aircraft lost power and crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad, bound for London.
The report, released by India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), found that both engine fuel cutoff switches were inexplicably flipped shortly after takeoff, causing an immediate and catastrophic loss of thrust.
According to cockpit voice recordings, one pilot asked the other: “Why did you cut the fuel?”—to which the second pilot responded: “I didn’t.” The AAIB report did not specify which pilot made each statement, nor which one issued the emergency “Mayday” call just moments before impact.
The commanding officer, Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, 56, was a highly experienced pilot and instructor with over 15,600 flying hours. His co-pilot, Clive Kunder, 32, had logged more than 3,400 hours. Both perished in the accident, along with all 337 passengers and crew, making it the deadliest aviation disaster globally since 2014.
Confusion in the Cockpit, No Evidence of Technical Malfunction
Video surveillance from the airport shows that a ram air turbine (RAT), an emergency power device, deployed shortly after takeoff—indicating a complete loss of engine power. Yet, investigators found that both fuel cutoff switches were in the “run” position when recovered from the crash site, and that the engines showed signs of attempting to relight before the plane crashed at low altitude.
Despite the catastrophic outcome, the AAIB did not issue any safety recommendations to Boeing, the aircraft manufacturer, or GE, which produced the plane’s GEnx-1B engines. U.S. safety experts have since raised questions about how and why the switches were moved.
“A pilot should not be able to accidentally flip both engine switches,” said aviation expert Anthony Brickhouse, who questioned whether human error, confusion, or an unknown cockpit systems issue was responsible. “Did they move on their own, or did the pilots move them – and if so, why?” he added.
Design and System Design Under Scrutiny
The positioning and sensitivity of the engine fuel cutoff switches—used typically only during engine shutdown at the gate or in case of engine fire—has come under renewed scrutiny. Although Boeing and GE have both confirmed no known defects in the systems involved, aviation analysts say the AAIB may recommend design reviews if future evidence suggests a systemic issue.
U.S. aviation regulators are reportedly monitoring the Indian investigation closely, with the NTSB (National Transportation Safety Board) and FAA awaiting further flight data analysis.
Air India Responds, But Stays Cautious
Air India issued a brief statement on X (formerly Twitter), expressing condolences and confirming full cooperation with the AAIB. The airline declined to comment further pending completion of the final report.
The final findings are expected by early 2026, after thorough analysis of flight data, cockpit recordings, and simulation testing. In the meantime, the aviation community awaits clarity on whether human error, system miscommunication, or a potential design flaw played the decisive role in a tragedy that has shaken global air travel confidence.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Pilots apparently unaware of fuel cutoff.
- No known mechanical failure from Boeing or GE.
- Switch positions, pilot action, and system design under active investigation.
- Final report expected within 12 months.
(zai)