What happened during Air India’s deadly 32-second flight?
On June 12, 2025, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner operated by Air India crashed just seconds after takeoff from Ahmedabad, killing 270 people, the deadliest aviation disaster in India in decades. The London-bound flight barely lifted off before slamming into a nearby medical student hostel, erupting into flames.
A newly released preliminary investigation report from India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) provides chilling insight into what may have caused the tragedy. At the heart of the mystery: a seemingly inadvertent activation of fuel cutoff switches, one of the most critical mechanisms in aircraft engine operation.
Why are the fuel control switches so important?
Every modern jetliner, including the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, relies on fuel control switches, also known as fuel shutoff levers, to manage engine operation. These switches transition between two main modes:
- RUN: Delivers fuel to the engines, allowing normal operation.
- CUTOFF: Severs fuel supply, effectively shutting down the engine.
According to the AAIB’s report, both engines’ switches went from RUN to CUTOFF within seconds of each other — an action typically reserved for emergencies or aircraft shutdowns. That occurred moments after takeoff, triggering a catastrophic chain of events.
What did the pilots say in their final moments?
The cockpit voice recorder captured a chilling exchange.
“Why did you cut off?”
“I didn’t.”
This brief but significant exchange reveals that at least one of the pilots was unaware of or did not authorize the transition to fuel cutoff. It raises critical questions about pilot error, mechanical malfunction, or design vulnerabilities.
Could the crew have recovered?
The aircraft’s Enhanced Airborne Flight Recorder (EAFR) revealed that shortly after the switches moved to CUTOFF, the pilots attempted to move them back to RUN, triggering an automatic re-ignition sequence managed by the aircraft’s FADEC (Full Authority Digital Engine Control).
However, the recovery attempt was too late. The recording cuts off just seconds later. A MAYDAY call was transmitted but not followed up, and air traffic controllers reported seeing the aircraft plunge and explode beyond the runway perimeter.
The entire flight lasted only 32 seconds.
Were the pilots experienced and fit to fly?
Yes. The report noted that:
- Captain Sumeet Sabharwal was a Line Training Captain with 8,200 hours of flying experience.
- First Officer Clive Kundar had 1,100 flying hours.
Both were deemed medically fit and properly rested. No signs of fatigue, disorientation, or incapacitation were mentioned in the report.
Is there any precedent or known technical fault?
Interestingly, the report references a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) advisory that warned operators of a potential issue: fuel control switches being installed without the locking mechanism engaged, meaning they could accidentally shift positions more easily.
The FAA’s bulletin specifically cited Model 737 aircraft, not the 787 Dreamliner. However, the investigators noted this concern and are exploring whether similar vulnerabilities exist in the 787’s cockpit design.
This incident bears eerie resemblance to a 1980s event when a Delta Air Lines pilot accidentally shut off both engines on a Boeing 767 mid-flight. The difference? That plane was cruising at a higher altitude, giving the crew time to restart the engines and avoid disaster.
What role did the Ram Air Turbine (RAT) play?
CCTV footage from the airport showed that the Ram Air Turbine (RAT) deployed almost immediately after liftoff — a clear signal of dual-engine or total power failure. The RAT is a small, wind-powered device that provides emergency hydraulic and electrical power when both engines shut down. Its deployment confirms that both engines were non-functional within seconds of takeoff.
Was sabotage or a bird strike involved?
The AAIB report ruled out both:
- No evidence of sabotage was found.
- No significant bird activity was observed in the flight path area.
The aircraft also began losing altitude before crossing the airport boundary, which aligns with a mechanical or human-initiated systems failure rather than an external impact.
Why does this matter for global aviation?
This tragedy underscores the critical importance of cockpit ergonomics, switch design, and fail-safe protocols. If the switches were inadvertently toggled, due to design oversight or procedural error, it raises serious concerns across the aviation industry, especially for aircraft with similar cockpit layouts.
Visual suggestion: An infographic comparing cockpit switch placement and locking mechanisms across major Boeing models (737, 767, 787).
What happens next in the investigation?
The AAIB has completed only the preliminary report. The final investigation may take months, possibly longer, and will aim to:
- Examine the physical switches for wear, design flaws, or disengaged locking systems.
- Analyze crew actions, training records, and human factors.
- Consult Boeing and FAA for design documentation and advisories.
The findings could lead to new safety directives, aircraft retrofits, or updated pilot training modules, especially if cockpit hardware is found to be unintentionally easy to toggle.
