Fuel Switch Off Caused Indian Airline Crash

The cockpit voice recorder from the ill-fated Indian airline flight 171 has revealed new details, shedding light on the critical moments leading up to the crash. According to data extracted from the recorder, the junior pilot questioned the more experienced pilot about why the fuel supply switch was turned off. This exchange occurred during the critical moments before the plane crashed, highlighting the potential significance of the fuel supply in the accident.

The recording indicates that the captain turned off the switch controlling the fuel supply to both engines, which may have been the direct cause of the crash. This revelation comes as part of the preliminary investigation conducted by the Indian aviation authorities. The two fuel control switches were found to be in the off position, leading to the loss of power and the subsequent crash of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner 32 seconds after takeoff. The switches, designed to prevent accidental operation, were located between the two pilot seats on the central control panel, near the thrust levers. Despite these safety features, the switches were somehow turned off, leading to the tragic event that resulted in the loss of 260 lives on board and on the ground.

The investigation is ongoing, with authorities trying to determine how and why the switches were turned off. Possible causes include system malfunctions or human error, whether intentional or unintentional. The preliminary report from the Indian aviation authorities mentioned the exchange between the pilots but did not identify them. The new information reveals that the junior pilot was the one who questioned the fuel switch status, while the more experienced pilot denied turning off the switches. This new detail adds to the complexity of the investigation and underscores the need for a thorough examination of the pilots' actions and the aircraft's systems.

The Indian aviation authorities have cautioned against drawing premature conclusions, stating that the final report will include a root cause analysis and relevant recommendations. The investigation is still in progress, and no definitive conclusions have been reached. The authorities emphasize that it is too early to make any clear determinations at this stage. The focus remains on understanding the sequence of events and the factors that led to the tragic crash, with the ultimate goal of preventing similar incidents in the future.