"Fuel Cutoff Mystery: What Caused the Tragic Air India Crash?"

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🕊️ In Memory of the Lives Lost in the Ahmedabad Air India Tragedy

📍 Crash Overview

• Date of Incident: [12 June 2025]

• Aircraft: Boeing 787 Dreamliner

• Location: Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India

• Flight Duration: 32 seconds after takeoff

• Fatalities: 241 onboard + 19 on ground

• Survivors: 1 passenger

🎙️ Cockpit Recording Sheds Light on Final Moments

A recent report from the Wall Street Journal has revealed new details surrounding last month's tragic Air India crash in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. According to the report, cockpit audio from the ill-fated Boeing 787 Dreamliner suggests that the aircraft's Captain, Sumeet Sabharwal, may have intentionally or unintentionally moved both engine fuel switches to the "cutoff" position shortly after takeoff. This action allegedly prompted a panicked response from the First Officer, Clive Kunder, who questioned the decision, while the Captain reportedly maintained a composed demeanor.

🕰️ Timeline of Events

• 00:00 – Aircraft begins takeoff roll.

• 00:10 – Liftoff achieved.

• 00:12 – Fuel switches reportedly toggled to “cutoff” within a 1-second gap.

• 00:14 – First Officer questions the Captain.

• 00:20–00:30 – Aircraft loses power and altitude rapidly.

• 00:32 – Crash occurs near Ahmedabad residential area.

🛫 Flight Duration and Fatalities 

The crash occurred just 32 seconds after takeoff, resulting in the deaths of 241 people onboard, including both pilots, and 19 individuals on the ground. Only one passenger is reported to have survived the crash. Captain Sabharwal had logged over 15,600 flight hours, while First Officer Kunder had accumulated more than 3,400 hours of flight experience.

📄 Preliminary Findings from AIIB 

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AIIB) of India has released its initial findings, which indicate that both engine fuel switches were toggled to the cutoff mode within one second of each other, at a low altitude shortly after the aircraft left the runway. While the report stops short of confirming the action was deliberate, sources close to the investigation, including U.S. aviation experts and pilots, suspect the switches were manipulated by the Captain. However, the report does not definitively determine whether the action was intentional or due to a mechanical fault or procedural error.

🗣️ Civil Aviation Minister Urges Patience 

India's Civil Aviation Minister, Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu, responded to the US media coverage by stressing the preliminary nature of the report. He advised the public and media outlets to refrain from drawing conclusions until a full investigation is complete.

🛑 Pilot Association Rebukes US Report 

The Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP) has sharply criticized the Wall Street Journal article, labeling it as unfounded and speculative. FIP President CS Randhawa stated that the preliminary AIIB report does not assign fault to the pilots or explicitly mention that they caused the incident by mishandling the fuel switches. Randhawa confirmed that the FIP is considering legal action against the publication and urged all media outlets to refrain from making unverified claims.

🔧 Air India Responds with Safety Checks

In response to the crash and subsequent investigation, Air India has completed precautionary checks across its fleet of Boeing 787-8 aircraft. The airline confirmed that its engineering team thoroughly inspected the locking mechanisms of the Fuel Control Switches (FCS) over the weekend, as directed by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). No abnormalities were found.

Additionally, the airline stated that Throttle Control Modules (TCMs) in all its 787-8 aircraft had already been replaced per Boeing’s scheduled maintenance requirements. The FCS is a vital component integrated within the TCM.

🔍 Conclusion 

As investigations continue, Indian authorities, aviation bodies, and Air India urge restraint and patience. While the preliminary findings raise questions about the fuel switch activity, no final conclusions have been drawn. Until the AIIB releases its full report, officials caution against speculation and emphasize their commitment to a thorough and transparent inquiry.

🕯️ Our deepest condolences go out to the families and loved ones affected by this heartbreaking tragedy. May the souls of the departed rest in peace, and may truth and justice prevail through the ongoing investigation.

Editorial Team,

MINDSCOPE

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