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What caused the Air India crash in Ahmedabad?
The crash is being investigated with a focus on the aircraft's engine fuel control switches. These switches regulate fuel flow to the engines and are crucial for safe operation. Preliminary findings suggest that the switches were flipped to cutoff immediately after takeoff, which likely caused engine failure and the subsequent crash. However, investigators are still analyzing flight data and simulations to determine whether this was due to manual action, system malfunction, or a design issue.
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Could the engine fuel control switches have triggered the crash?
Yes, the movement of the engine fuel control switches appears to be a key factor in the crash. The switches were found flipped to the cutoff position right after takeoff, which would have cut off fuel supply to the engines. This sudden change could have led to engine failure, causing the aircraft to lose height and crash. Investigators are examining whether this was an intentional action, a mistake, or caused by a malfunction.
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How do fuel switches work on Boeing 787s?
Fuel switches on Boeing 787 Dreamliners are designed to control the flow of fuel to the engines. They are built with safety features to prevent accidental activation, but they can be manually operated by pilots in certain situations. The switches are critical for managing engine power and safety during flight. In this incident, the focus is on understanding why these switches moved to the cutoff position immediately after takeoff.
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What safety checks are in place for fuel switches?
Aircraft have multiple safety protocols to prevent accidental or unintended switch movements. These include physical safeguards, warning alerts, and procedural checks by pilots and crew. In the case of the Air India crash, investigators are reviewing whether these safety measures failed or were bypassed, and whether the switches' design might have contributed to the incident.
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Are there similar incidents involving fuel switch errors?
While each aviation incident is unique, there have been past cases where fuel switch errors contributed to accidents. These incidents often lead to reviews of aircraft design and safety procedures. The current investigation into the Air India crash is paying close attention to whether a similar human error or system malfunction occurred, and what lessons can be learned to improve safety.