A tragic aviation accident occurred near Ahmedabad, India, involving an Air India passenger aircraft. According to the preliminary investigation report, both engines of the aircraft suddenly shut down mid-air due to a complete stoppage in fuel supply. The incident claimed the lives of all 260 passengers on board.
The initial findings from the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) of India reveal that the switches supplying fuel to both engines moved to the ‘CUTOFF’ position within a second of each other. As a result, fuel supply was completely cut off, causing both engines to shut down simultaneously. The aircraft rapidly lost altitude and ultimately crashed into the ground.
For more on the initial developments and live updates, read the breaking news report on the Ahmedabad plane crash.
The cockpit voice recorder provided chilling insight: just moments before the crash, one pilot is heard asking the other in shock, “Why did you cut it?” to which the second pilot responds, “I didn’t.” This exchange indicates that the engine shutdowns were not triggered by any deliberate human action.
Indian media reports that the investigation has yet to determine why the switches moved to the cutoff position on their own. A detailed technical and electrical analysis is ongoing. While the report does not recommend immediate action against Boeing or the engine manufacturers, experts emphasize that further technical scrutiny is essential.
The ill-fated Boeing aircraft had originally departed from Mumbai bound for Delhi in June. Due to adverse weather conditions, it was diverted toward Ahmedabad airport. The crash occurred just moments before landing.
This incident is being termed the worst air disaster in recent Indian aviation history. Officials state that a complete investigation could take up to a year. During this time, experts will closely examine the aircraft’s technical systems, pilot actions, and various flight-related factors.
