AAIB preliminary report blames sudden dual engine failure caused by fuel switch shutdown; cockpit audio raises serious concerns
12 July 2025, New Delhi
A horrifying aviation tragedy struck Ahmedabad when an Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner crashed seconds after takeoff, killing over 260 people on board. A preliminary investigation by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has identified the unexpected shutdown of both engines as the primary cause.
According to the AAIB’s 15-page report, the engines lost power due to a sudden shift of the aircraft’s fuel control switches from ‘RUN’ to ‘CUTOFF’ mode. The first switch changed position within three seconds of takeoff, and the second followed shortly after, leaving the plane without any thrust at a dangerously low altitude.
The aircraft lost power soon after takeoff and could not climb or pick up speed. It crashed near the airport boundary and caught fire immediately. Rescue teams reached the spot quickly, but all 260+ passengers and crew members died on the spot. This accident is being called one of the worst air crashes in India in recent years.
Fuel control switches are vital cockpit components that manage the flow of fuel to each engine. These switches are not easily moved—they require a pull-and-rotate motion—making accidental activation extremely unlikely. Each engine has its own dedicated switch located near the thrust levers.
The black box voice recorder revealed a disturbing cockpit conversation. One pilot is heard asking, “Why did you cut off the fuel?” The other pilot responds, “I didn’t do anything.” Investigators are still analyzing the voices to identify who spoke, and whether a manual error or technical fault caused the switches to shift.
Authorities are also exploring the possibility of a software glitch or hardware malfunction in the fuel system. The Boeing 787 is equipped with sophisticated controls, but the AAIB report notes that even minor issues with engine systems during takeoff can prove catastrophic.
Following the crash, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued safety advisories to all airlines operating Dreamliners, mandating immediate checks of fuel control systems and updated cockpit procedures.
While the full investigation is ongoing, aviation experts are calling for a deeper review into cockpit design, pilot training, and system safeguards. The AAIB’s final report is expected to determine whether the crash was caused by human error, technical failure, or a combination of both.
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