Ahmedabad Plane Crash – Fuel Switch Suspected Off: Preliminary Probe Finds No Technical Fault in Aircraft, Report Expected Today

The preliminary investigation into the Ahmedabad plane crash has so far found no technical fault in the Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft. The Wall Street Journal has made this claim in its report.

According to an American media outlet, the fuel supply switches controlling both engines of the plane had been turned off, which caused the engines to lose thrust immediately after takeoff. Pilots usually use these switches to start or shut down the engines, or to reset them in case of an emergency.

Meanwhile, the primary investigation report on the accident could be made public today. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is investigating the case. As per regulations, the report must be uploaded within 30 days of the accident.

On June 12, Flight AI 171, which was flying from Ahmedabad to London, crashed into a medical hostel building shortly after takeoff. The crash claimed 270 lives, including 241 passengers and crew members. Only one passenger survived the accident.

Black Box Data Shows Suspicious Movement

According to a report by the U.S. aviation website The Air Control, initial data from the black box has revealed movements of the fuel switches for both engines. It is still unclear whether this movement occurred due to pilot error, a technical fault, or some other reason.

U.S. aviation safety expert John Cox says that this switch is not so sensitive that it could be accidentally turned on or off by an unintended touch. It is usually operated only while the aircraft is on the ground.

Why Is the Fuel Switch So Critical?

The Dreamliner’s engines have two positions for the fuel switch: Run and Cutoff. If the aircraft is in the air and the switch moves to Cutoff, the engine stops receiving fuel, which results in a loss of thrust. This can also cut off the power supply, shutting down several cockpit instruments.

Expert Says Pilot Used Fuel Switch Only in an Emergency

According to aviation expert Captain Rakesh Rai, “No pilot would play around with the fuel switches once inside the aircraft. If it was done, there must have been some technical issue.”

Captain Rai referred to Boeing’s standard operating procedure (SOP), which states that in the event of a dual engine failure, the pilot must react immediately by toggling both switches on and off to reset the “EEC” (Electronic Engine Control). This process, known as a “windmill start,” can help restart the engines.

Minister Said — First Time Both Engines Failed

Earlier, on June 28, Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol had said that the plane crash was being investigated from all angles, including the possibility of sabotage. He also mentioned that a detailed investigation report could be ready within three months.

Detailed Report Likely in Three Months

The Union Minister had said that the exact cause of the crash is still unclear — whether it was due to engine failure, a fuel supply issue, or a technical malfunction. He confirmed that the black box is being examined in India itself and will not be sent abroad. The CVR (Cockpit Voice Recorder) and FDR (Flight Data Recorder) are currently being analyzed. A detailed report is expected within three months.

He also informed that, as per DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation) orders, all 33 Dreamliner aircraft of Air India have been inspected and found to be safe. He called the crash an exception and assured that people can continue to fly without fear. The AAIB is investigating every angle. CCTV footage is being reviewed and multiple agencies are working together on the probe.

Former Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani Also Died in the Crash

Air India flight number AI 171 was flying from Ahmedabad to London. It was carrying a total of 230 passengers, including 169 Indians, 53 British nationals, 7 Portuguese citizens, and one Canadian. Among the passengers were 103 men, 114 women, 11 children, and 2 infants. There were also 12 crew members on board. Former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani also died in the crash.

Pilot Had Issued a Mayday Call

According to Flightradar24, the last signal from the aircraft was received at an altitude of 190 meters (625 feet), just moments after takeoff. India’s civil aviation regulator, DGCA, stated that the plane took off from runway 23 at 1:39 PM on June 12. After takeoff, the pilot sent a Mayday call (an emergency message) to air traffic control, but there was no response afterward.