Air India Crash Preliminary Report Raises More Questions, CEO Says
The preliminary report on the Air India Boeing 787 accident has sparked further questions rather than providing closure, according to the airline’s CEO. Campbell Wilson confirmed this in an internal memo to employees, defending the crew’s actions and the rigorous maintenance standards of the fleet.
What Happened During the Fatal 32 Seconds After Takeoff?
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau of India (AAIB) concluded that two fuel switches were inadvertently set to the “cutoff” position, causing the aircraft to lose thrust just 32 seconds after takeoff. Despite the pilots’ attempts to reverse the action, there was insufficient time to recover the necessary thrust.
The report details that reactivating the switches took 10 seconds for the first and an additional four seconds for the second. This delay proved critical.
No Technical Failures or Medical Issues
The AAIB’s analysis ruled out mechanical or maintenance failures in the Boeing 787-8 and its GE Aerospace GEnx-1B engines. No irregularities were found in fuel quality or the takeoff roll.
The pilots completed all pre-flight checks, including alcohol testing. Neither crew member exhibited any medical issues.
Who Turned Off the Switches?
One of the most puzzling aspects is the lack of clarity about who decided to move the fuel switches. The report mentions a brief exchange in the cockpit but does not specify which pilot questioned the other about the action.
The cockpit voice recording provides no further details, leaving experts reviewing the report with unanswered questions.
Profile of the Pilots in Command
The flight was commanded by Clive Kunder, who had approximately 1,100 flight hours on this aircraft model, according to the report. The more experienced Sumeet Sabharwal, serving as captain, was in a monitoring role.
This rotation of duties between captain and first officer is standard practice, especially on long-haul flights.
What’s Next?
Despite the findings, investigators have not yet issued any recommendations for other Boeing 787-8 operators or the manufacturers of the involved engines.
“At this stage of the investigation, no actions are recommended for operators or manufacturers of the B787-8 and/or the GE GEnx-1B engine,” states the official report.
An Ongoing Investigation
Campbell Wilson’s internal memo emphasizes that the preliminary report provides “greater clarity” but also “raises new questions.” The investigation remains ongoing, and the final version is expected to shed more light on the accident’s causes and corresponding responsibilities.
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