Air India Plane Crash Report Reveals New Insights
As the investigation continues, the focus remains on the movement of engine fuel switches and potential pilot actions, with the DGCA working to ensure that India's skies remain safe and that the country's aviation industry adheres to global safety standards.
The investigation into the Air India crash on June 12, which killed 241 people, has narrowed its focus to the movement of the engine fuel control switches on the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, with data from the plane's black box indicating improper, inadvertent, or intentional pilot actions as a possible cause.
The investigation has ruled out mechanical or design issues with the plane or its engines, as well as fuel contamination or improper retraction of the flaps. The fuel control switches, which have two positions (RUN and CUTOFF), are only supposed to be moved on the ground or in the event of an engine failure. Moving the switch from RUN to CUTOFF in flight would cause the fuel supply to stop flowing to the associated engine, resulting in its immediate shutdown.
India's aviation regulator, Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), maintains that the country's skies are safe despite recent concerns over air safety. The DGCA's chief, Faiz Ahmed Kidwai, attributes India's safety record to its adherence to global safety metrics, which show the country performing better than the world average. However, recent incidents, including a devastating Air India crash that killed 270 people, have raised fresh concerns.
The DGCA has taken action against SpiceJet for premature propeller failures and Air India Express for delaying engine part replacements and falsifying records. The regulator has also refined its guidelines for pilots flying in turbulent conditions. Despite the growing number of technical faults reported by airlines, the DGCA sees value in the increasing culture of reporting snags.
The investigation is still in its early stages, and it may take months to analyze the data and determine the cause of the crash. Indian forensic investigators have identified all 260 bodies killed in the June 12 crash, and health authorities have handed over the remains of 26 victims to their relatives. The preliminary report is expected on Friday, but its contents will not be made public.