Fuel Switch Blamed in Air India's Deadliest Crash: Investigators Probe the Mystery

Emerging evidence suggests that a fuel switch error led to the catastrophic crash of an Air India Boeing 787, killing 260 people. Investigators believe the captain might have inadvertently cut fuel to the engines, causing the plane to lose thrust and crash just after takeoff. The investigation is ongoing.


Devdiscourse News Desk | Updated: 21-07-2025 17:50 IST | Created: 21-07-2025 17:50 IST
Fuel Switch Blamed in Air India's Deadliest Crash: Investigators Probe the Mystery
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Initial findings from the investigation into last month's Air India crash indicate that a critical error in fuel management may have led to the tragedy. A cockpit recording suggests that the aircraft's captain may have inadvertently cut the flow of fuel to the engines, leading to a catastrophic loss of power.

While conclusive evidence is yet to be reported, the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau is probing deeper into these early assessments. The incident, which claimed 260 lives, has prompted heightened scrutiny of cockpit protocols and pilot actions, although investigators caution against premature conclusions.

In defense of objective reporting, various aviation authorities have called for restraint, highlighting the complexity of crash investigations that often involve multiple factors. This high-profile case continues to fuel discussions about the potential benefits of installing cockpit image recorders to aid in future analyses.

(With inputs from agencies.)

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