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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Alex Ross

Air India report reveals fuel error three seconds after take-off

  • A preliminary report into the Air India crash near Ahmedabad, which killed 260 people, revealed that three seconds after take-off, the plane's engine fuel cutoff switches almost simultaneously flipped to cutoff.
  • This action starved the Boeing 787 Dreamliner's engines of fuel, causing it to immediately lose thrust and descend, though both switches were found in the run position at the crash site.
  • The report noted a pilot asking another why he cut the fuel, with the other denying it, but did not identify which pilot made which remarks or explain how the switches moved.
  • Aviation safety experts are questioning whether the switches moved independently or were manipulated by the pilots, as such a cutoff is typically reserved for specific emergencies, not indicated in this case.
  • India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau is leading the probe, with black boxes recovered, but has not yet issued any recommended actions for the aircraft or engine manufacturers.

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