Background on Air India and the Flight
Air India, India’s flag carrier, operates international and domestic flights. On a fateful day last month, Air India Flight 787-8 Dreamliner was en route from Ahmedabad, western India, to London. Tragically, the aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff, resulting in 260 fatalities – 241 on board and 19 on the ground.
The Accident
According to a preliminary report from India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau, the fuel supply to the aircraft’s engines was interrupted just before impact. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, carrying passengers from Ahmedabad to London, crashed shortly after takeoff. Among the 260 fatalities were 241 passengers and crew members, as well as 19 people on the ground; only one passenger survived.
Key Events Leading to the Accident
Fuel Interrupter Issue:
The report revealed that, as the aircraft reached its maximum recorded speed, the fuel cut-off switches for both engines rapidly switched from RUN to CUTOFF, with a 0.1-second interval between each switch.
Pilot Communication:
In the cockpit recording, one pilot asked the other why he had cut off fuel supply. The second pilot denied having done so.
Rapid Altitude Loss:
The aircraft began losing altitude rapidly. The fuel cut-off switches returned to the RUN position, and engines seemed to regain power; however, one pilot transmitted “MAYDAY MAYDAY MAYDAY,” the distress signal in aviation.
Air Traffic Control Communication:
Air traffic controllers asked the pilots about the situation, but soon observed the aircraft crashing and alerted emergency services.
Investigation Findings
The preliminary report did not assign blame or draw conclusions about the accident. However, it highlighted that investigators focused on the movement of the engine fuel cut-off switches.
The report also mentioned a 2018 Federal Aviation Administration bulletin warning about the “possible deactivation of the fuel control switch lock function.” Although this alert wasn’t deemed a “unsafe condition” requiring further action, Air India explained that they didn’t conduct the suggested inspections because they were “recommended but not mandatory.”
Air India stated that they adhered to all aircraft operability directives and service bulletins for the B787-8 and GE GEnx-1B engines. The investigation is ongoing, with information being gathered from various parties involved.
Reactions from Boeing and Air India
Boeing’s Statement:
Boeing expressed their commitment to supporting the investigation and stated that their thoughts are with those affected by the tragedy.
Air India’s Statement:
Air India confirmed their collaboration with involved parties, including regulators, and pledged full cooperation with authorities as the investigation progresses.
International Aviation Regulations
According to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), a United Nations agency, countries investigating an aviation accident must publish a preliminary report within 30 days of the incident.
Passenger and Ground Casualties
Among the 230 passengers on board, 169 were Indian nationals, 53 were British, seven were Portuguese, and one was Canadian. The crew consisted of 12 members.
Survivor and Ground Injuries:
A British passenger miraculously survived the crash and has since been discharged from the hospital. Decades of people on the ground sustained injuries.
