Air India Crash Kills 260, Preliminary Report Cites Fuel Cutoff After Takeoff

Investigations into the Air India Flight 171 crash, which killed over 240 people including 19 on the ground, have revealed that the fuel switches were moved to the 'cutoff' position shortly after takeoff, causing the engines to lose power. Cockpit voice recordings indicate the first officer repeatedly questioned the captain about why the fuel was cut off, with the captain denying responsibility, though it remains unclear whether the action was deliberate or accidental. Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, who had 15,000 flying hours and a medical history including depression, is under scrutiny, but colleagues and acquaintances have described him as professional and considerate, with plans to care for his elderly father prior to the crash. A former pilot recreated the crash using a flight simulator and disputed suggestions that the fuel switch could have been flipped accidentally, emphasizing the safety mechanisms in place. Indian Civil Aviation authorities have cautioned against premature conclusions, highlighting that final reports are pending and emphasizing the professionalism of pilots and crew. The tragic event continues to evoke emotional responses from friends, family, and the aviation community, while the investigation proceeds with a focus on both technical and human factors.