`Why did you cut off fuel': Ill-fated aircraft pilot was heard saying, reveals Ahmedabad crash report

New Delhi: Initial investigation into the tragic crash of an Air India Boeing 787-8 aircraft has revealed that its engine fuel control switches were accidentally moved from ‘RUN’ to ‘CUTOFF’ within three seconds after lift-off, leading to a complete loss of power and a crash just 34 seconds after take-off from Ahmedabad on June 12.

Both engines shut down seconds after lift-off

According to the preliminary report released by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) on Saturday, both fuel control switches supplying fuel to the engines of Flight 171 were turned off in quick succession, shutting down power mid-air.

The cockpit voice recorder captured one of the pilots asking the other why he had cut off the fuel, to which the other responded that “he did not”, indicating possible confusion or inadvertent action.

Relight efforts failed

“Fuel switches for engines 1 and 2 were returned to ‘Run’ within seconds. EGTs (Exhaust Gas Temperatures) for both engines rose, indicating relight efforts. Cockpit voice recording indicates confusion: One pilot asked, ‘Why did you cut off?’ The other responded, ‘I did not do so,’” the report noted.

Pilots had adequate rest, sufficient experience

The pilot flying was co-pilot Clive Kundar, while pilot-in-command Sumeet Sabharwal was monitoring. Sabharwal had nearly 8,600 hours of experience on the Boeing 787, while Kundar had over 1,100 hours. The report confirmed that both pilots had adequate rest before the flight.

No weather issues or overloading

The 15-page report stated that the flight lasted approximately 30 seconds from lift-off to crash. The aircraft’s take-off weight was well within permissible limits, and no weather-related factors contributed to the accident.

Previous FAA Advisory on fuel switch issue

The probe highlighted that in 2018, the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) had issued a Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin (SAIB) about the potential disengagement of the fuel control switch locking feature. However, Air India did not inspect its fleet for this issue as the SAIB was advisory, not mandatory.

“All applicable Airworthiness Directives and Alert Service Bulletins were compiled on the aircraft as well as engines,” the report clarified.

Investigation continues

The AAIB stated, “Investigation is continuing and the team will review and examine additional evidence, records and information from stakeholders.”

Air India’s Response

In a statement on X after the report release, Air India said: “We continue to mourn the loss and are fully committed to providing support during this difficult time. Air India is working closely with stakeholders, including regulators.”

The crash claimed nearly 270 lives — 241 of the 242 people on board and several on the ground.