Mystery Deepens Around Air India Crash: Fuel Cut-Offs Under Scrutiny After Killing 260
July 12, 2025
A preliminary investigation into the tragic Air India crash on June 12, 2025, has revealed a chilling discovery: both engine fuel switches were found in the cut-off position — a setting that shuts off the aircraft’s engines — just seconds before the plane crashed in Ahmedabad, western India.
The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, en route to London Gatwick, plummeted into a densely populated area shortly after take-off, killing 260 passengers and crew members. Only one person survived — British national Vishwashkumar Ramesh — who escaped through a rupture in the fuselage.
Disturbing Cockpit Audio Emerges
The official report, published by India’s Ministry of Civil Aviation, includes cockpit audio that reveals confusion between the two pilots. In the final moments, one pilot is heard asking the other: "Why did you do the cut-off?" to which the second responds: "I didn’t do it."
This exchange has raised more questions than it answers, especially among aviation experts. Professor Graham Braithwaite, director of aerospace at Cranfield University, told the BBC that "you can't just accidentally switch both engines off." He emphasized that the switches are designed with safety locks that require a deliberate and forceful action to engage.
Crash Timeline & Key Facts
- Date: June 12, 2025
- Flight: Air India, Ahmedabad to London Gatwick
- Aircraft: Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner
- Fatalities: 260
- Survivors: 1 (British national)
- Cause: Both fuel switches turned off moments after take-off
While the pilots attempted to restore thrust by reactivating the fuel switches, the engines failed to recover in time. The plane issued a mayday call before the fatal descent.
Airline & Manufacturer Respond
In an official statement, Air India said it stands in solidarity with the families of the victims and is “fully cooperating with authorities.” Boeing issued condolences and stated its support for the investigation.
The Airline Pilots’ Association of India called for more transparency, urging a broader examination of procedural and human factors that may have played a role.
Public Reaction: Grief and Anger
The preliminary findings have been met with anger and disbelief from victims’ families and colleagues. Dr. Mario Donadi, a coworker of a deceased passenger, called the report a “huge slap in the face.” He demanded clearer answers, stating that such safety mechanisms are not easily triggered without intention.
Next Steps in the Investigation
The investigative team will now carry out the following:
- Fuel sample testing
- Flight data and cockpit voice recorder analysis
- Post-mortem examination of the crew
- Assessment of procedural compliance and crew actions
A final report is expected within a year, but already, the unusual fuel switch behavior has become a central focus for both technical investigators and the public.
Aviation Record & Reassurance
Experts emphasize that this tragedy is an anomaly in the otherwise strong record of the 787 Dreamliner, which has transported over one billion passengers globally without a similar incident. The aircraft type remains one of Boeing’s safest.
As the world watches closely, investigators must now uncover whether this disaster was a result of human error, mechanical failure, or something more complex. In the meantime, families seek justice — and the aviation community awaits answers.