An Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner crash intensified investigations after preliminary reports revealed the aircraft's engines lost fuel shortly after takeoff, as Fox Business reports.
This tragic incident claimed 260 lives, marking it the deadliest aviation disaster in the past decade, while one individual survived.
The catastrophic accident occurred on June 12, shortly after the Dreamliner departed Ahmedabad airport, bound for London. Just under one minute into its ascent, the aircraft crashed, resulting in significant loss of life. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) in India is actively examining the chain of events leading to this tragedy.
Voice recordings from the cockpit provide a glimpse into the confusion experienced by the pilots when the engines lost fuel. The exchanged words highlighted a misunderstanding: one pilot questioned a cutoff, while the other denied any action was taken. This moment underscored the challenges the crew faced as they battled with equipment failure.
A key focal area of the investigation is the engine cutoff switches. Investigators determined that these switches shifted from "run" to "cutoff" unexpectedly mid-flight. Despite the immediate shutdown, they were later found in the "run" position, suggesting an unsuccessful automatic attempt to restart the engines.
The report brings to attention potential design problems with the fuel cutoff switches. Notably, these switches share their design with those found on Boeing 737 aircraft. A bulletin issued by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration in 2019 warned about this design, yet it did not obligate airlines to make changes at the time.
Air India's fleet, inclusive of the ill-fated aircraft, had not undergone inspections concerning the advisory mentioned in the FAA bulletin. This detail adds a layer of complexity to the investigation as regulators and stakeholders assess whether an oversight could have contributed to the crash.
The AAIB's preliminary findings serve as a precursor to an anticipated thorough report, which will be published within the next year. In light of these revelations, Air India has expressed its commitment to support ongoing inquiries and maintain transparency throughout the investigative process.
Air India released statements expressing solidarity with the bereaved families and those affected. The airline declared its resolve to offer continued support during these challenging times. This pledge emphasizes the gravity of the event and its impact on everyone connected.
Additionally, Air India reassured the public of its full cooperation with the AAIB and pertinent regulatory bodies. They highlighted their active role in future developments of the investigation, ensuring they work together with stakeholders to uncover the full picture. Boeing, the manufacturer of the compromised aircraft, has not yet issued a public response regarding the situation. Their silence looms large, especially as questions mount over potential design flaws and their implications.
As the investigation proceeds, the aviation industry will likely face increased scrutiny over aircraft safety and maintenance protocols. The implementation of corrective measures could become a focal point to prevent similar tragedies from occurring.
This crash serves as a stark reminder of the need for rigorous inspections and assessments of any past issues that were flagged but not rectified. Stakeholders worldwide will undoubtedly review and reevaluate policies concerning the design and function of critical aircraft components.
Anticipating the final AAIB report in a year, families, and industry professionals await answers. While the findings to date shed light on factors contributing to the mishap, understanding its root cause remains paramount to improving future safety standards.
