An aviation expert has raised concerns about gaps in the preliminary report on the Air India flight 171 crash, which killed 260 people last month. The report, released by the Indian Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau, details factual information but leaves key questions unanswered.
The aircraft lost power in both engines shortly after takeoff, with data suggesting the fuel flow stopped. Flight recorder data indicates the fuel control switches may have been moved from “run” to “cutoff” three seconds after liftoff, then back to “run” ten seconds later. However, the report notes that flight data recorders capture system responses, not pilot actions, and could be affected by sensor errors.
A cockpit voice recording captures one pilot asking the other why he cut off the fuel, with the other denying doing so. The expert warns that this exchange lacks context, including who spoke, when it occurred, and the exact words used. The report does not support any theory of intentional fuel cutoff by the pilots.
The preliminary report found no immediate actions required for Boeing, General Electric, or operators of the Boeing 787-8 and GEnx-1B engine. The expert cautions that this does not rule out mechanical failure, as physical evidence may be too damaged to draw conclusions at this stage.
