Following the release of the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB)’s preliminary report on the Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad, Yashpal Singh Vansadia, who lost his parents in the incident, is seeking answers regarding the implemented safety protocols. He has raised queries about the timely and proper execution of all necessary safety checks on the aircraft.
“Based on the report, which highlights a situation where one pilot inquired about the switch, it seems there were some technical problems,” Vansadia remarked. “Were all the preventive checks of the aircraft conducted? I seek answers to these important questions.” The tragic event resulted in the loss of 260 lives, including 229 passengers, 12 crew members, and 19 people on the ground.
The AAIB’s 15-page preliminary report provides a detailed account of the events that occurred within 90 seconds of takeoff. Both engines ceased functioning during the initial ascent, leading to a catastrophic loss of thrust and a rapid descent. Data retrieved from the Enhanced Airborne Flight Recorder (EAFR) showed that the fuel cutoff switches for both engines were accidentally switched from RUN to CUTOFF within a 1-second timeframe shortly after takeoff. A pilot was heard asking the other, “Why did you cut off?” to which the response was, “I did not.” Flight AI171 was scheduled to fly from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, carrying 230 passengers and crew members. The final report is anticipated in the coming months. The crash is among the most devastating aviation disasters in India’s recent history.