Boeing has pledged full support for the investigation into the tragic Air India flight AI 171 crash in Ahmedabad, following the release of a preliminary report that highlighted critical findings about the aircraft’s engine switches.
Boeing Offers Full Cooperation
The aircraft manufacturer, Boeing, quickly issued a statement after the initial report on the devastating Air India flight AI 171 crash was made public. This accident, which claimed 260 lives in Ahmedabad, is considered the worst aviation disaster involving an Indian airline in four decades.
Boeing President and CEO, Kelly Ortberg, expressed deep condolences to all affected families and confirmed direct communication with Air India Chairman N. Chandrasekaran. He reiterated that a dedicated Boeing team is ready to assist India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) as the probe continues.
Ortberg emphasized that Boeing would defer to the AAIB for all information regarding the crash, adhering strictly to international aviation protocols set by the United Nations International Civil Aviation Organization.
Engine Switch Malfunction Under Scrutiny
The preliminary investigation report from the AAIB has pointed to a critical finding: the Boeing 787-8 aircraft’s engine fuel control switches transitioned from ‘RUN’ to ‘CUTOFF’ position. This happened within a single second, moments after the plane lifted off the runway.
This unexpected switch movement is a central focus of the ongoing inquiry. The flight was scheduled to operate from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, carrying 242 people, and tragically, 19 individuals on the ground also perished.
Air India’s Stance
Air India also acknowledged the preliminary report, reaffirming its commitment to cooperate fully with all authorities. The airline expressed solidarity with the families of those who perished and pledged ongoing support during this difficult period.
In their statement, Air India confirmed they are working closely with all stakeholders, including regulatory bodies. Given the active nature of the investigation, the airline stated it could not comment on specific details and referred all such inquiries to the AAIB.
Understanding the Critical Switches
Airline pilots and aviation experts have highlighted the significance of the fuel control switches. They assert that any movement of these switches must be a deliberate action, making accidental toggling “next to impossible.”
These switches are designed with robust safety features, including protective brackets on either side. Furthermore, a stop-lock mechanism requires pilots to physically lift the switch before moving it between its ‘RUN’ and ‘CUTOFF’ positions.
The report has not yet clarified whether investigators have determined if the switches were intentionally moved by one of the pilots. At the time of the incident, co-pilot Clive Kundar was flying the aircraft, while pilot-in-command Sumeet Sabharwal was monitoring the flight. Both pilots had significant experience on the Boeing 787.
- The Air India AI 171 crash killed 260 people, making it India’s worst aviation disaster in four decades.
- A preliminary report indicates engine fuel control switches moved from ‘RUN’ to ‘CUTOFF’ immediately after takeoff.
- Boeing has offered its full support to India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) for the ongoing probe.
- Air India is cooperating with authorities but will not comment on specific details due to the active investigation.
- Aviation experts suggest accidental movement of these critical engine switches is highly improbable due to built-in safety features.
The investigation continues to piece together the sequence of events that led to this tragic incident, with all parties committed to uncovering the truth.
