Preliminary Air India Crash Report Reveals Fuel Switch Confusion Caused Engine Failure

The preliminary investigation into the Air India Boeing 787-8 crash on June 12 reveals that shortly after takeoff, both engine fuel cutoff switches were flipped from RUN to CUTOFF within a second of each other, starving the engines of fuel and causing the aircraft to lose thrust and altitude. Cockpit voice recordings captured one pilot questioning the other about the switch activation, with the latter denying responsibility, suggesting neither pilot was aware of moving the switches. The switches, designed to require intentional movement and protected by locks, were found back in the RUN position at the crash site, with evidence that the engines attempted to relight before the fatal impact. Investigators found no technical faults with the aircraft or engines and stated no immediate recommendations for Boeing or GE. The cause behind the switches' movement remains unclear, raising questions about pilot actions or possible inadvertent toggling. The crash resulted in 260 deaths, including passengers, crew, and people on the ground, making it one of the deadliest aviation disasters involving an Indian airline in decades.