Air India Plane Crashes Killing 261, Investigation Reveals Fuel Switches Cut
The report's findings have sparked widespread concern and raised questions about the safety of India's skies, with many calling for a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the crash and prevent similar incidents in the future.
A preliminary report on the Air India crash that occurred on June 12, 2025, has been released, revealing that the fuel switches were cut off before the plane crashed in Ahmedabad, killing 261 people, including 230 on board and 19 on the ground.
The investigation, led by India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau, found that the fuel-control switches were in the "cutoff" position, which immediately cuts the engines, but the reason for this remains unknown. The report notes that the switches had been installed with their locking mechanisms disengaged, a potential flaw highlighted by a 2018 US Federal Aviation Administration advisory.
Audio recordings from the cockpit suggest confusion between the two pilots over how the fuel switches were cut off. The investigation is ongoing, with experts from Boeing and the US and UK participating, and a final report is due to be released next year. Families of the victims are demanding answers, with many expressing frustration and disappointment with the report's findings.
The airline, Air India, has acknowledged the report and said it will continue to work with the relevant authorities. The investigation has also raised questions about the safety of India's skies, with some experts pointing to a strong overall aviation safety record, while others raise concerns about maintenance oversights and training shortfalls.
As the investigation continues, the cause of the crash remains unclear, and the report raises more questions than it answers, including whether the incident was deliberate, accidental, or due to a technical fault. The incident has sparked concerns about aviation safety and the need for a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the crash.