Pilot Confusion Over Engine Switches Led to Deadly Air India Crash: Report
A shocking new Reuters investigation reveals the final moments of confusion in the cockpit before last month’s Air India crash that killed 260 people. A preliminary report shows the pilots argued over who cut off the plane’s fuel supply—a fatal mistake that starved the engines mid-flight.
What Went Wrong?
- Just seconds after takeoff, the Boeing 787’s fuel switches flipped to “cutoff”—something experts say should never happen in flight.
- The pilots denied touching the switches, but cockpit recordings captured one asking: “Why did you cut the fuel?” (Source: Reuters)
- With no fuel, the engines failed. The plane dropped from 650 feet, hitting trees and a chimney before crashing into a building.
Key Questions
- Why did the switches move? Experts say pilots can’t accidentally hit them—so was it a technical failure or human error?
- Did the engines restart too late? Wreckage suggests they briefly relit, but it wasn’t enough to save the plane.
- Could this happen again? Investigators haven’t yet blamed Boeing or the engines, but the final report (due in a year) will decide.
Bigger Impact
- This is the deadliest air crash in 10 years, dealing a major blow to Air India’s revival under Tata Group.
- Scrutiny is growing—just last week, Reuters exposed safety lapses at Air India’s budget airline.
- India’s aviation boom is at risk if safety fears spread.
Quote from the Report (via Reuters):
“One pilot asked why the fuel was cut. The other replied: ‘I didn’t do it.’”
Why This Matters
If the switches failed on their own, it could mean a new Boeing safety crisis. If it was pilot error, airlines may need better training. Either way, 260 lives were lost—and the world is watching for answers.
Source: Reuters – For full details,