Air India flight saw fuel switches turned off before tragic crash, report claims

Fuel supplies to the engines of the Air India jet were reportedly cut off prior to the devastating crash that resulted in over 240 fatalities last month. A preliminary disaster investigation suggests that these fuel cuts seemed to happen without either pilot turning them off.

On June 12, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner crashed shortly after takeoff, marking one of the deadliest accidents involving British nationals. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau's report, released late on Friday, confirmed the jet was carrying 54,200kg of fuel, which was within the 'allowable limits'.

However, the report then said: "The aircraft achieved the maximum recorded airspeed of 180 Knots IAS at about 08:08:42 UTC and immediately thereafter, the Engine 1 and Engine 2 fuel cutoff switches transitioned from RUN to CUTOFF position one after another with a time gap of 01 sec. The Engine N1 and N2 began to decrease from their take-off values as the fuel supply to the engines was cut off.

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"In the cockpit voice recording, one of the pilots is heard asking the other why did he cutoff. The other pilot responded that he did not do so." Referencing data recovered from the plane's two Enhanced Airborne Flight Recorders (EAFR), it continued: "As per the EAFR, the Engine 1 fuel cutoff switch transitioned from CUTOFF to RUN at about 08:08:52 UTC. The APU Inlet Door began opening at about 08:08:54 UTC, consistent with the APU Auto Start logic.

"Thereafter, at 08:08:56 UTC the Engine 2 fuel cutoff switch also transitions from CUTOFF to RUN. When fuel control switches are moved from CUTOFF to RUN while the aircraft is inflight, each engine’s full authority dual engine control (FADEC) automatically manages a relight and thrust recovery sequence of ignition and fuel introduction."

As the engines began to recover, one pilot transmitted 'mayday, mayday, mayday' before the jet was seen crashing outside the airport by air traffic control. The crash resulted in the death of 241 people on board, with only one passenger surviving. A further 19 others also died amidst the crash and 67 were seriously injured.

The plane crashed into a residential area of Ahmedabad, hitting a medical college hostel. The report states: "The aircraft was destroyed due to impact with the buildings on the ground and subsequent fire. A total of five buildings were impacted and suffered major structural and fire damages."

The only surviving passenger was Briton Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, who previously toldThe Sun it was a 'miracle' he was alive but felt 'terrible' he could not save his brother Ajay.

Both pilots, who were based in Mumbai and had arrived in Ahmedabad the day before, had taken an 'adequate rest period' prior to the flight. The crew, who had previously undergone a breathalyser test, were recorded as fit to operate the flight.

No notable bird activity was observed near the flight path, and the aircraft began losing altitude before crossing the airport perimeter wall. Both engines were retrieved from the wreckage and quarantined at a hangar in the nearby airport. Investigators have identified 'components of interest for further examinations,' the report says.

Fuel samples taken from the tanks used for refuelling the aircraft were also deemed 'satisfactory'. The report added: "Very limited amount of fuel samples could be retrieved from the APU filter and Refuel/Jettison valve of the left wing.

"The testing of these samples will be done at a suitable facility capable of carrying out the test with the limited available quantity." Investigators have collected statements from Mr. Ramesh and witnesses, and they will also review the post-mortem reports of the crew and passengers.

This is being done 'to corroborate aeromedical findings with the engineering appreciation,' the report adds. An Air India spokesman said: "Air India stands in solidarity with the families and those affected by the AI171 accident. We continue to mourn the loss and are fully committed to providing support during this difficult time.”

The spokesman added: "Air India is working closely with stakeholders, including regulators. We continue to fully co-operate with the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) and other authorities as their investigation progresses.

"Given the active nature of the investigation, we are unable to comment on specific details and refer all such enquiries to the AAIB."