A preliminary investigation into last month's fatal Air India crash that claimed 260 lives has revealed critical moments of confusion in the cockpit as fuel control switches unexpectedly moved to cutoff positions. The report documents how both engines lost power when their control switches simultaneously flipped from 'run' to 'cutoff' during flight, though it stops short of determining why this occurred.
Aviation safety experts note the unusual nature of such simultaneous switch movements, with former pilot and air safety analyst Capt. Rajesh Verma stating: 'This appears to be an unprecedented mechanical scenario or human factors challenge. The investigation must now determine whether this was caused by system failure, crew action, or external factors.'
While the report clarifies there were no declared emergencies before the crash, it raises questions about cockpit procedures and engine control systems. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation has confirmed the investigation will now focus on switch mechanism design, crew training protocols, and potential automation issues.
This development comes as global aviation authorities increase scrutiny of cockpit resource management following recent safety incidents worldwide. The findings are particularly significant for Asia's rapidly expanding aviation sector, where passenger traffic is projected to double by 2040.
