260 Deaths in Ahmedabad Plane Crash. AAIB Report Reveals Both Engines Failed. Air India Assures Cooperation in Investigation.
Ahmedabad Plane Crash: The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has released the preliminary investigation report on the tragic Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad. The report highlights potential technical issues, along with the pilots' communication and the flight's final 32 seconds. 260 people perished in the accident. Air India has issued a statement, confirming its full cooperation with the investigating agencies.
AAIB Releases Preliminary Report on Accident
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) released the preliminary report on the Air India flight accident in Ahmedabad late Friday. The report indicates that both engines of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft suddenly shut down within seconds of takeoff. This situation occurred due to a disruption in fuel supply.
The 15-page report details how the thrust abruptly decreased after takeoff, causing the aircraft to plummet. While it clarifies that the engine failure resulted from a fuel supply interruption, it does not explain how the fuel cutoff switch activated automatically.
Pilot Conversations Recorded in Cockpit Recorder
A crucial revelation from the investigation report is the pilots' conversation. The cockpit voice recorder captured one pilot asking the other, “Why did you shut off the fuel?” The response was, “I didn't.”
However, the report does not specify which pilot, the captain or the co-pilot, made these statements. Additionally, the report doesn't clarify who transmitted the “Mayday, Mayday, Mayday” message.
RAT System Functioned in Emergency
As the engine power diminished, the Ram Air Turbine (RAT) automatically activated to maintain the aircraft's emergency hydraulic power. The RAT is a small propeller-like device that provides essential power during emergencies.
The investigating agency stated that CCTV footage from near the accident site captured the RAT's activation, proving that the emergency system attempted to manage the aircraft after the engine failure.
Aircraft Airborne for Only 32 Seconds
According to the AAIB report, the aircraft was airborne for only 32 seconds after takeoff. It crashed into a hostel building approximately 0.9 nautical miles from the runway.
The report indicates that the pilots attempted to restart both engines. One engine partially restarted, but the other failed to start, leading to the crash.
Thrust Levers Found Inoperative
According to the black box data, the aircraft's takeoff thrust was still active. However, the thrust levers were found to be in an inoperative state, suggesting a disconnection or failure within the thrust system. The fuel quality check did not confirm any contamination. There was no impurity found in the fuel, nor was any problem detected in the supply source.
Normal Weather and Flight Conditions
The weather conditions at the time of takeoff were normal. The sky was clear, visibility was good, and there were no b winds. The report clarified that the aircraft's flap settings and gear position were normal for takeoff. No external factors such as bird strikes or lightning strikes were identified.
Pilots' Training and Health Were Normal
The investigation report states that both pilots had a clean background. There were no complaints against them, and they had extensive experience flying the Boeing 787. Both pilots were medically fit, and no medical issues were reported before the flight.
Points to Potential Technical Issues
Although the preliminary report does not suggest sabotage as the cause of the accident, it mentions an older technical warning from the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration).
This warning expressed concerns about a potential fault in the fuel cutoff switch. The report also indicates that Air India had not investigated these issues in a timely manner.
Air India's Statement
Following the release of the investigation report, Air India issued a public statement on Saturday.
The airline stated that it had received information about the preliminary report issued by the AAIB and was working in collaboration with all regulatory agencies and stakeholders. Air India clarified that it would continue to fully cooperate with the AAIB and other authorities in the investigation process.
