By Learn And Fun | July 13, 2025 | New Delhi
The preliminary investigation report into the tragic Air India crash
that claimed 260 lives has revealed that fuel control switches in the
cockpit were found in the ‘cutoff’ position — a possible contributing
factor to the aircraft’s sudden loss of power and crash shortly after takeoff.
The accident, which occurred on July 7, involved Flight AI 472,
a Boeing 777-300ER en route from Mumbai to London, which plunged to the
ground just minutes after taking off from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
International Airport, leading to one of the deadliest aviation
disasters in Indian history .
What the Preliminary Report Reveals
India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) released the
initial findings on Sunday, detailing cockpit data retrieved from the Flight
Data Recorder (FDR) and Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR).
According to the DGCA:
“The aircraft experienced a sudden dual-engine flameout approximately
3.4 minutes after takeoff. Post-crash investigation revealed that the fuel
control switches for both engines were set to the ‘cutoff’ position, preventing
fuel from reaching the engines.”
This condition caused a complete engine shutdown, leaving the
pilots with no propulsion at a dangerously low altitude. Despite attempts to
regain control, the plane nosedived into an open field near Navi Mumbai,
bursting into flames upon impact.
While the investigation is ongoing, officials say the positioning of the
fuel switches could have resulted from either manual input or a critical
systems malfunction. Final conclusions will await a full forensic analysis
of the cockpit components and crew actions.
Fatal Toll and Victim Identification
Of the 271 people on board, including 16 crew members, 260
have been confirmed dead, with 11 survivors — most critically
injured — receiving treatment at Mumbai’s JJ Hospital and Lilavati
Hospital.
Efforts to identify remains are underway, with over 150 bodies
requiring DNA verification due to severe burns and fragmentation. The Ministry
of Civil Aviation has promised expedited procedures and support for the
victims’ families.
A mass mourning ceremony was held at India Gate on Friday,
attended by top government officials, grieving relatives, and members of the aviation
community.
Air India and Government Response
Air India, now under Tata Group ownership, issued a public statement
expressing “deepest condolences” and promised full cooperation with the
investigation. The airline has grounded its entire fleet of Boeing
777-300ERs pending technical inspections and safety audits.
“This tragedy has shaken us to our core,” said Air India CEO Campbell
Wilson. “We are fully cooperating with regulatory authorities and doing
everything to support the affected families.”
The Civil Aviation Ministry has also formed a high-level
safety task force to assess current cockpit safety protocols, especially in
long-haul aircraft operations. The DGCA has directed all airlines operating
Boeing aircraft to conduct immediate technical checks on engine fuel control
systems, warning that the incident could signal a systemic vulnerability.
Possible Causes Under Scrutiny
While investigators have not ruled out human error, other
scenarios under review include:
- Technical
malfunction in the fuel control system or Electronic Engine Controls (EEC)
- Incorrect
checklist execution during takeoff phase
- Software
anomalies in the flight management system
- Potential power
surge or electrical failure during climb
A former Air India pilot, speaking anonymously, said:
“It’s extremely rare for both engines to shut down simultaneously unless
there is a major systems failure or deliberate input. Finding the fuel switches
in cutoff is a very significant red flag.”
Boeing, the aircraft’s manufacturer, has dispatched a team of engineers
and technical investigators to India and is assisting with flight data
analysis. The company has also issued a statement saying it is “deeply
saddened” by the loss and will provide any assistance necessary.
Aviation Community Reacts
Aviation experts around the world have expressed concern about the
implications of the preliminary findings. Some are calling for a global
re-evaluation of cockpit ergonomics and automation overrides, particularly
involving critical controls such as fuel systems.
“The question is, how could such a catastrophic switch be activated —
manually or inadvertently — and go unnoticed?” said Capt. Jason Meyers, a
safety analyst with the International Aviation Safety Alliance. “It raises alarms
about cockpit design, pilot training, and alert systems.”
Political and Public Reactions
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences on X (formerly
Twitter), writing: “A black day for Indian aviation. We mourn the lives lost
and stand united with the grieving families.”
Public reaction has ranged from sorrow to anger, with many demanding
stricter oversight of pilot protocols and aircraft maintenance. An independent
panel under the Ministry of Civil Aviation has been formed to monitor
the investigation and make long-term policy recommendations.
What’s Next?
The DGCA has indicated that a full final report could take 3
to 6 months, as investigators examine:
- Crew
training logs
- Maintenance
records of the aircraft
- Human
factors, such as pilot workload and fatigue
- Manufacturer
and airline operational procedures
For now, the priority remains supporting victims’ families,
completing identification of remains, and preventing a repeat of such a
catastrophic failure.
As India mourns, the Air India crash of July 7 will likely become a defining moment in aviation safety reform, not just for the country but globally.
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