Air India Crash Report Unveils Key Findings, Raises New Questions

A preliminary report on the crash of an Air India Boeing 787 on June 12, 2023, has shed light on crucial factors leading to the incident while simultaneously raising further questions. The aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad, specifically 32 seconds into the flight. The investigation, conducted by the country’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), revealed that two fuel switches in the cockpit had been inadvertently moved to a cut-off position.

In an internal memo shared with employees, Campbell Wilson, the Chief Executive Officer of Air India, defended the airline’s safety protocols and the competence of the cockpit crew. He emphasized that the report found no mechanical or maintenance issues with the aircraft or its engines, and confirmed that all mandatory inspections had been conducted prior to the flight.

Wilson noted that the quality of fuel was also satisfactory and that the take-off sequence was normal. He highlighted that both pilots had passed their mandatory pre-flight breathalyzer tests, with no medical concerns raised regarding their fitness to fly.

As the report detailed the sequence of events leading up to the crash, it identified Clive Kunder as the pilot flying the aircraft. Kunder, who has approximately 1,100 flight hours on the Boeing 787, was paired with Sumeet Sabharwal, the more experienced pilot monitoring the flight. This pairing is common, especially on longer journeys, where duties may alternate between pilots.

Despite the clarity brought by the report, several aspects remain ambiguous. Notably, it did not specify which pilot questioned the other about the fuel switches being turned off. Furthermore, the report lacked a comprehensive transcript of communications from the cockpit, making it difficult to fully understand the decision-making process during the critical moments before the crash.

Adding to the complexity, some pilots reviewing the report remarked that while turning off the fuel switches took just one second, the process of reactivating them was significantly longer—10 seconds for the first switch and an additional four seconds for the second. This delay may have contributed to insufficient thrust, ultimately leading to the aircraft’s inability to regain altitude.

The AAIB reported that, at this stage of the investigation, no evidence has emerged that would necessitate actions against the Boeing 787 or the GE Aerospace engines that power it. The report stated, “At this stage of investigation, there are no recommended actions to B787-8 and/or GE GEnx-1B engine operators and manufacturers.”

In light of these findings, the investigation continues as both regulatory bodies and Air India seek to analyze the circumstances surrounding the crash. The airline has yet to respond to additional requests for comments regarding the ongoing inquiry.

As the situation develops, the aviation community and the public will be closely monitoring the investigation for further insights and recommendations that may arise from this tragic incident.