Air India Ahmedabad Plane Crash Mystery: Did One Fuel Switch Decide The Fate Of 250 Lives?

AHMEDABAD (GUJARAT) [INDIA], JULY 11: On June 12, Flight AI-171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, took off from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. Bound for London, the flight lost thrust within 30 seconds. The aircraft crashed into a nearby medical hostel complex. Out of 242 people on board, only one survived. The pain spread like wildfire across the nation, with families still waiting for answers, even as the crash site lies silent in mourning.

Mayday From The Sky: A Last Cry For Help

Just moments before the crash, something unexpected happened. The pilot issued a mayday alert. This desperate call told ground control that something had gone terribly wrong. The black box, now under investigation, holds both cockpit voice recordings and flight data. It might tell the untold story of what the crew faced in those final moments. It is the first time such a deep black box probe is being done entirely within India, showing the seriousness of the investigation.

Focus Shifts To The Fuel Control Switches

Investigators are closely watching the movement of fuel control switches located in the cockpit’s centre. These switches may have been turned on or off—either accidentally or intentionally. Their role could be key in explaining how the aircraft suddenly lost thrust. Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu confirmed that the report is expected very soon. Experts say even the smallest movement of these switches can affect how the engines work, especially right after takeoff.

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No Signs Of Engine Or Plane Design Flaws Yet

Despite concerns, no evidence has shown any design issue with the Boeing 787 or its GE engines. A Ram Air Turbine (RAT) was seen deployed in videos, hinting at a dual engine failure. But restarting engines at such a low height and speed was almost impossible. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), which includes doctors, air traffic experts and even foreign aviation teams, is taking every angle seriously. But it may take time for them to connect all dots.

AAIB’s Tough Task: Answering A Nation’s Questions

The AAIB had promised to release a basic report within 30 days. Now, as the date approaches, families of victims are hoping for some closure. The report may be short. But even small and minor details are yet to be discovered. These details can help find out what went wrong. The Air India crash has become one of the worst disasters in Indian aviation history. With top agencies involved, including the US-based NTSB, the country is watching every step of this high-stakes investigation.

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