What's happened
As of July 22, 2025, investigations into the June 12 Air India Boeing 787 crash that killed 260 people focus on fuel control switches that cut off engine fuel shortly after takeoff. Air India’s inspections found no faults in the locking mechanisms. The cause remains undetermined, with cockpit voice recordings revealing pilot confusion but no definitive conclusions on pilot error or mechanical failure.
What's behind the headline?
Focus on Fuel Control Switches
The investigation centers on the fuel control switches that cut fuel flow to both engines within seconds after takeoff, causing the crash. Despite Boeing and the FAA asserting the safety of these switches, the Indian regulator mandated inspections, reflecting heightened caution.
Pilot Actions Under Scrutiny
Cockpit voice recordings reveal confusion between the captain and first officer about who moved the switches, but no definitive attribution or motive has been established. Speculation about pilot error or deliberate action has been strongly denied by pilot associations, emphasizing the need for caution in assigning blame.
Regulatory and Operational Impact
Air India has completed inspections of its Boeing 787 fleet with no faults found, yet the incident has caused operational disruptions and passenger anxiety. The airline’s recent privatization and fleet modernization add complexity to the investigation’s implications.
Broader Implications
This crash highlights vulnerabilities in aircraft system design and human factors in aviation safety. The ongoing investigation will likely influence future regulatory policies on cockpit switch design, pilot training, and accident investigation transparency.
Forecast
The final report, expected within a year, will clarify root causes and recommendations. Meanwhile, airlines worldwide are reviewing similar systems, signaling a global reassessment of Boeing 787 safety protocols. Passengers and industry stakeholders should anticipate enhanced safety measures and clearer communication from regulators.
What the papers say
The South China Morning Post details the technical focus on the fuel control switches and notes the FAA's 2018 advisory urging inspections, while also reporting that Boeing and the FAA consider the switches safe. AP News and The Independent emphasize the Indian regulator's directive for inspections and the preliminary report's findings of the switches flipping within seconds, highlighting the lack of conclusions on cause. The Guardian and Gulf News provide insight into cockpit voice recordings suggesting pilot confusion, with The Guardian citing the Wall Street Journal's report that US officials are focusing on the captain's actions, though no blame has been assigned. Al Jazeera and Indian pilot associations strongly reject speculation of pilot suicide or deliberate action, calling for ethical reporting and transparency in the investigation. Air India’s CEO Campbell Wilson urges caution against premature conclusions, underscoring that the investigation is ongoing and no mechanical faults have been found. These sources collectively illustrate a complex narrative balancing technical scrutiny, pilot conduct, regulatory response, and the sensitivities surrounding the tragedy.
How we got here
On June 12, 2025, an Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad, killing 260 people. Preliminary investigations revealed that fuel control switches shifted from 'run' to 'cutoff,' starving engines of fuel. This led Indian aviation authorities to order inspections of Boeing 787 and select 737 aircraft fuel switches to prevent recurrence.
Go deeper
- What caused the fuel control switches to flip during the flight?
- Has Air India made any changes to its fleet after the crash?
- What are pilot associations saying about the investigation findings?
Common question
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What Caused the Boeing 787 Crash in India?
The recent crash of an Air India Boeing 787 in India has raised many questions. Authorities are investigating the cause, with preliminary findings pointing to fuel switch issues. People are wondering what exactly happened, whether pilot error played a role, and what the investigation means for Boeing fleets worldwide. Below, we explore the key questions surrounding this tragic incident and what it could mean for aviation safety.
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What caused the Boeing crash in India and what’s next?
The recent Boeing crash in India has raised many questions about aircraft safety, pilot actions, and investigation processes. With preliminary findings pointing to fuel switch issues and ongoing inquiries, people want to know what caused the tragedy and what it means for future flights. Below, we explore the key questions surrounding this incident, including possible causes, investigation updates, and safety implications.
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What Caused the Air India Boeing 787 Crash?
The recent crash of the Air India Boeing 787 has raised many questions about what went wrong. Investigators are examining multiple factors, including technical issues and pilot actions. If you're wondering about the causes behind this tragic event, you're not alone. Below, we explore the key questions and latest findings related to the crash, helping you understand what is known and what remains under investigation.
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Are Fuel Control Switches a Common Cause of Plane Crashes?
Recent investigations into the Air India Boeing 787 crash have brought attention to fuel control switches and their role in aircraft safety. While these switches are critical components, their involvement in accidents is complex and not fully understood. Curious about how these switches work, whether they are a common cause of crashes, and what safety measures are in place? Below, we explore key questions about aircraft fuel systems, safety protocols, and what passengers can do to stay safe during emergencies.
More on these topics
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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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Campbell Wilson is the chief executive officer of Scoot. He was appointed the founding member of the airline on 18 July 2011. Before his appointment, he worked for the SIA group for more than 15 years in countries like Japan, Canada, and Hong Kong.
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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.
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The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is a U.S. federal government agency within the U.S. Department of Transportation that regulates civil aviation in the United States and surrounding international waters. Its powers include air traffic control...
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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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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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The Boeing Company is an American multinational corporation that designs, manufactures, and sells airplanes, rotorcraft, rockets, satellites, telecommunications equipment, and missiles worldwide.
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The Directorate General of Civil Aviation is the statutory body formed under the Aircraft Bill, 2020. This directorate investigates aviation accidents and incidents. It is headquartered along Sri Aurobindo Marg, opposite Safdarjung Airport, in New Delhi.