What's happened
A Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crashed after takeoff from Ahmedabad on June 12, killing 260 people including ground victims. The aircraft's fuel cutoff switches moved from 'RUN' to 'CUTOFF' seconds after takeoff, causing engine failure. Investigators have not yet determined the cause or assigned blame, but the incident raises questions about pilot actions and aircraft safety.
What's behind the headline?
The recent investigation into the Ahmedabad crash highlights critical issues in aviation safety and pilot oversight. The fuel switches moved from 'RUN' to 'CUTOFF' seconds after takeoff, an action that typically requires deliberate pilot input. Experts like John Cox emphasize that accidental movement is unlikely, suggesting possible pilot involvement or a mechanical fault. The investigation's focus on switch movement and the absence of a clear cause point to potential human error or systemic vulnerabilities. The lack of definitive conclusions underscores the need for more transparent and thorough inquiry, especially given the high casualty toll and the aircraft's safety record. This incident could prompt stricter controls on switch design and pilot training, but until the investigation concludes, the true cause remains uncertain, leaving the aviation community in a state of cautious scrutiny.
What the papers say
Al Jazeera reports that the fuel switches moved seconds after takeoff, with pilots questioning each other about the action. The report emphasizes the unlikelihood of accidental switch movement and criticizes the investigation's secrecy. South China Morning Post highlights the same switch movement, noting the quick engine shutdown and the pilots' experience. The article discusses the ongoing probe and the absence of technical faults, suggesting human factors are central. The New York Times provides a detailed timeline, noting the switches' transition and the engines' relighting attempts, emphasizing the difficulty of accidental switch movement. The story's significance is heightened by the high death toll and the potential implications for aviation safety protocols. All sources agree that the cause remains undetermined, but the focus on pilot actions and switch mechanics is consistent across reports.
How we got here
The crash involved an Air India Boeing 787-8 en route to London, which lost thrust shortly after takeoff. The Indian Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) reported that the fuel control switches transitioned from 'RUN' to 'CUTOFF' three seconds after takeoff, leading to engine failure and crash. The investigation is ongoing, with focus on the switch movement and pilot actions, amid concerns about transparency and technical issues.
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More on these topics
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Ahmedabad is the largest city and former capital of the Indian state of Gujarat. It is the administrative headquarters of the Ahmedabad district and the seat of the Gujarat High Court.
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Air India is the flag carrier airline of India, headquartered at New Delhi. It is owned by Air India Limited, a government-owned enterprise, and operates a fleet of Airbus and Boeing aircraft serving 102 domestic and international destinations.
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The Boeing 787 Dreamliner is an American wide-body airliner developed and manufactured by Boeing Commercial Airplanes.
After dropping its unconventional Sonic Cruiser project, Boeing announced the conventional 7E7 on January 29, 2003, which focused largel
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India, officially the Republic of India, is a country in South Asia. It is the second-most populous country, the seventh-largest country by land area, and the most populous democracy in the world.