Why did the Air India Boeing 787 crash? Preliminary report released

An Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner flying from Ahmedabad to London crashed less than a minute after takeoff. This shocking tragedy sparked serious debate in global aviation. Now, a month later, the Indian government has released the preliminary findings.

The 15-page report states that both main engines suddenly stopped midair. The aircraft lost thrust and hit the ground within 40 seconds. The big question: why did the engines stop? How did the fuel switches change from “on” to “cut-off”?

A mysterious action violating strict protocols

According to the report, both fuel cut-off switches were moved during takeoff. This is extremely rare and is typically only used while the aircraft is on the ground. In this state, fuel does not reach the engines, and they shut down automatically. This is not an easy error — it’s hard to make accidentally, especially by experienced pilots.

Captain Sumit Sabharwal had over 15,000 flight hours, and co-pilot Clive Kunder had 3,400. Both were registered as qualified. So, could this really be a mistake?

Tense cockpit talk: “Why did you shut it down?” — “I didn’t do it!”

Experts highlight a disturbing radio exchange:

“Why did you shut down the engines?”, one pilot asks. “I didn’t do it,” the other responds. Who said what is unclear, but this raises the possibility of human error.

Backup systems activated, but couldn’t save the plane

The plane’s backup systems — the air turbine and auxiliary generator — were engaged but couldn’t generate enough power. One engine restarted, but the second didn’t in time. The plane couldn’t climb again.

Wing flap or engine issue? Or something else?

Forums suggest possibilities: a bird strike, contaminated fuel, or failure of the FADEC engine control system.

Did Boeing and GE clear themselves?

Reuters notes that Indian investigators do not blame Boeing or GE directly. No major technical faults were found.

One lone survivor

Out of 260 people, one passenger survived and is hospitalized in a state of shock.

Conclusion: more questions than answers

The main question remains: who switched off the fuel — and why? Read 'Zamin' on Telegram!