The fuel control switch was switched from “driving” to “cutoff” last month before the Indian plane crashed. A preliminary investigation report by the Indian Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau was revealed early on Saturday.
Shortly after takeoff, when the plane reached its top-level recording speed of 180 knots, “the fuel cutoff switches on Engine 1 and Engine 2 shifted one after the other from the run to the cutoff position.”
Immediately after both switches were turned off, they returned to their running position. One of the pilots sent out “Mayday Mayday” but the plane couldn’t get power quickly enough after it began to lose altitude.
The flight lasted about 30 seconds before it crashed.
The report also revealed that one pilot can be heard on the cockpit audio recorder before the crash. Other pilots replied that he had not done so.
The report did not state how the switch reversed to its cutoff position and did not recommend any action against Boeing.
Engine switches are typically used by pilots to either start or stop the engine manually on the ground or in the event of an engine failure during flight.
Aviation experts have revealed that it is impossible to accidentally move the switch due to the placement behind the thrust lever and the locking mechanism designed to avoid accidental switch-offs.
On June 12, Air India, London Bind Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crashed in Ahmedabad, northwest of India. Shortly after crossing the walls around the airport, the aircraft began to lose altitude and eventually crashed into a medical staff hostel.
The plane carried 230 passengers, all on board except that one passenger was killed.
Air India said it is fully cooperating with authorities investigating the crash.
“Air India is working closely with stakeholders, including regulators, and as the investigation progresses, we continue to work fully with AAIB and other authorities,” the statement said.