LeadStory

What was wrong with the Air India plane that crashed in India?

Asked 8 hours ago

Answer

The Air India crash was caused by both engine fuel cutoff switches flipping to the off position shortly after takeoff, starving the engines of fuel. Investigators and experts suggest a chip malfunction, not human error, likely triggered the switches. Both pilots denied moving the switches, and cockpit confusion was reported. The switches were found in the run position at the crash site, and the incident remains under investigation.

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Reuters

Air India crash report shows pilot confusion over fuel cutoff

Reuters · Recent
Reuters
Reuters
Recent
  • Preliminary report highlights cockpit confusion after both engine fuel cutoff switches flipped.
  • The Boeing 787 lost thrust and descended shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad. 15s
  • Investigators have not determined how the switches moved to the cutoff position. 21s
  • Expert Marco Chan suggests a chip malfunction, not pilot error, may be responsible. 36s
  • Both fuel switches were found in the run position at the crash site, with signs of engine relight attempts. 1m 49s
AviationDisaster

References

Air India crash report shows pilot confusion over fuel cutoff
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Reuters
21 hours ago
Air India crash report shows pilot confusion over fuel cutoff

Both engine fuel cutoff switches flipped almost simultaneously, starving the engines of fuel. A chip malfunction is suspected, and both pilots denied responsibility.

Air India crash report points to chip malfunction, says analyst
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Reuters
1 day ago
Air India crash report points to chip malfunction, says analyst

The plane's engine fuel cutoff switches flipped almost simultaneously, starving the engines of fuel. An analyst points to a chip malfunction, not human error, as the cause.

Air India crash: Report reveals likely cause of crash
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Al Jazeera
2 days ago
Air India crash: Report reveals likely cause of crash

Two fuel cut-off switches in the cockpit were flipped to the off position just before the crash. Both pilots expressed confusion, and experts say accidental movement is unlikely.

Engine fuel cut off before Air India plane crash, report reveals
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Euronews
2 days ago
Engine fuel cut off before Air India plane crash, report reveals

Both engines' fuel control switches were cut off moments before the crash, causing a loss of engine thrust. The report noted confusion between the pilots.

Air India crash report shows confusion over engine switch movement
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Reuters
3 days ago
Air India crash report shows confusion over engine switch movement

The fuel cutoff switches flipped from run to cut-off three seconds after takeoff, causing both engines to lose thrust due to fuel starvation. Cockpit voice recordings captured pilot confusion.

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