Air India Ahmedabad Crash Investigation Raises New Questions
Air India's CEO has announced that the preliminary investigation into the tragic Ahmedabad plane crash, which resulted in the loss of 260 lives, has uncovered new questions surrounding the incident. The investigation is far from over, urging caution against hasty conclusions.
Preliminary Report Findings
The initial report from India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) highlighted confusion within the cockpit in the moments leading up to the crash of the Boeing Dreamliner. The Air India CEO, Campbell Wilson, in a staff memo, emphasized that the report, while providing some clarity, has also "opened additional questions."
The preliminary report, according to the memo, found no evidence of mechanical or maintenance failures, confirming that all necessary maintenance procedures had been diligently followed.
Details of the Crash
The Boeing 787 Dreamliner, which was heading to London, experienced a loss of thrust and began to descend shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad. Tragically, all but one of the 242 passengers and crew on board, as well as 19 individuals on the ground, perished in the crash.
The AAIB report revealed a critical exchange captured on the cockpit voice recorder. One pilot was heard questioning the other about a fuel cutoff, a claim that the other pilot denied. The report also noted that the plane's engine two fuel cutoff switches flipped almost simultaneously.
ALPA India's Response
ALPA India, representing Indian pilots at the International Federation of Air Line Pilots’ Associations, has refuted any suggestions of pilot error and is advocating for a comprehensive and unbiased investigation. The organization emphasized that the pilots had successfully passed their pre-flight breathalyzer tests and had no known medical issues.
Pilot Information
The commanding pilot of the Air India plane was identified as Sumeet Sabharwal, 56, an experienced aviator with a total of 15,638 flying hours. He also served as an Air India instructor. The co-pilot, Clive Kunder, 32, had accumulated 3,403 hours of flying experience.
Increased Scrutiny
Air India is facing heightened scrutiny on multiple fronts in the wake of the crash. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) is also investigating Air India Express, following reports of the airline's failure to promptly replace engine parts and falsification of records.