New black box data reveals Air India captain may have turned off fuel switches, causing the deadly Ahmedabad crash. Investigation focuses on pilot actions.
Black Box Revelations Raise New Questions
The investigation into the tragic crash of Air India Flight 171—which was en route from Ahmedabad to Gatwick, London—has taken a dramatic turn. According to the Wall Street Journal (reporting on Thursday IST), the cockpit voice recordings recovered from the black box have revealed that the captain turned off the plane’s engine fuel switches just seconds after takeoff.
Over 260 Lives Lost in One of India’s Worst Aviation Disasters
On June 12, tragedy struck when the Air India flight collided with a medical college building in the Meghani Nagar area of Ahmedabad.
The incident is now considered one of the most devastating air disasters in Indian history.
Out of the 242 people onboard, 241 died, along with several individuals on the ground, bringing the death toll to over 260 lives.
The sole survivor was Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, a British national of Indian origin, who was seated at 11A, next to the emergency exit.
Despite severe injuries, Ramesh escaped by climbing out through the damaged emergency exit.
Preliminary Report Hints at Pilot Error
AAIB’s Findings Released on July 12
On July 12, the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) of India issued a preliminary report. According to their findings, the aircraft’s engine fuel switches were turned off within one second after takeoff.
This unexpected action appears to have caused confusion and disorientation among the flight crew moments before the aircraft lost control and crashed into a student housing complex.
A Mysterious In-Cockpit Conversation
As per the Wall Street Journal, the first officer—who was flying the Boeing 787 Dreamliner at the time—was shocked and terrified when the senior captain switched the fuel switches to the “cutoff” position.
In contrast, the captain reportedly remained calm.
The AAIB’s report confirms that a conversation about the switches took place,
although it does not clarify which pilot said what.
While one pilot asked why the switches were changed, the other denied having done so.
Was It a Mistake or a Deliberate Action?
Conflicting Reports Emerge
The Wall Street Journal cited anonymous sources familiar with the US investigation who claim that the captain indeed turned off the switches.
However, it is still unclear whether this action was intentional or accidental.
The AAIB has not confirmed if it was a case of human error or a technical fault.
No Issues Found with Boeing Fuel Switch Locks
DGCA Issues Safety Directive
Following the preliminary findings, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) ordered all Indian carriers operating Boeing 737 and 787 aircraft to inspect the locking mechanisms of fuel control switches and report findings by July 21.
In response, Air India informed its pilots that precautionary checks had been completed on all their Boeing 787 aircraft, with no faults discovered. Additionally, the throttle control modules were updated in line with Boeing’s official maintenance guidelines.
Unanswered Questions: Could This Switch Be Turned Off So Easily?
A Deeper Concern About Cockpit Design
A major question now haunts both investigators and the public:
How could a pilot accidentally press a switch that is normally protected?
According to experts familiar with aircraft design, fuel switches are protected under a special cover and are not directly exposed.
One must intentionally lift the cover before accessing or pressing the main switch.
So, if that’s the case—how did the captain’s hand allegedly touch the switch and turn it off?
This question is central to the ongoing investigation and will likely be a critical factor in determining
whether this was a case of human error, negligence, or a deeper system failure.
Is the Blame Conveniently Placed on a Deceased Pilot?
Questions Arise About Protecting Big Corporations
There is now growing speculation that the blame may have been deliberately placed on the pilot, possibly to protect larger corporate interests,
including the aircraft manufacturer or the airline.
Critics argue that since the pilot is no longer alive, he cannot defend himself or present his side of the story.
This raises serious ethical concerns:
Was it convenient to conclude pilot error simply because the captain is no longer around to speak?
This question is gaining traction among aviation experts and the general public alike, particularly because of the technical safeguards around the fuel switch and the unusual nature of the cockpit exchange.
Conclusion: Human Error or Mechanical Failure?
As the official investigation continues, the focus has shifted to possible pilot actions and cockpit safety protocols.
The preliminary data points to a puzzling action by the captain that may have triggered the crash,
yet much remains to be clarified.
The aviation world and the grieving families await a final, detailed report—
one that will not only explain what went wrong, but also ensure such a disaster is never repeated.