Fuel Switch Malfunction Blamed for Ahmedabad Plane Crash: Preliminary Report

Ahmedabad | July 12, 2025
A preliminary investigation report released by the Aircraft Investigation Bureau (AIB) has revealed that the tragic Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad was caused by a technical failure involving the fuel control switch, which resulted in the sudden shutdown of both engines shortly after takeoff.

According to the report, the aircraft had barely covered 0.9 nautical miles (approximately 1.5 kilometers) after taking off from Runway 23 at around 1:30 PM on June 12, when it abruptly lost power. The fuel control switch, which should have been in the ‘Run’ position, was found in the ‘Cut-Off’ mode, leading to the engines stalling mid-air.

Data recovered from the cockpit voice recorder (CVR) and flight data recorder (FDR)—collectively known as the black box—provided vital details about the moments leading up to the crash. The recordings captured a brief conversation between the pilots, where one asked, “Why did you shut the engine?” The co-pilot responded, “I didn’t.”

The crew attempted to restart the engines. Engine 1 showed signs of recovery, but Engine 2 did not respond, leading to a rapid drop in altitude. A Mayday distress call was transmitted just 26 seconds after takeoff, but no further communication was received. The last signal from the aircraft came when it was at an altitude of 190 metres.

Parts such as the thrust lever, flap handle, landing gear, and the fuel control system have been recovered from the crash site and are undergoing forensic analysis. The report also mentions that previous advisories were issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regarding this type of switch configuration, though they were recommendations and not mandatory, and hence not acted upon by Indian authorities.

Both pilots were experienced professionals—the captain aged 56 and the co-pilot aged 32—with extensive flying hours. The report emphasizes that they took all possible corrective measures within the limited window available, but the malfunction left them with insufficient time to regain control.

The AIB report does not assign responsibility to Air India, the aircraft manufacturer Boeing, or the engine supplier at this stage. It categorizes the findings as preliminary and states that the investigation is ongoing. Meanwhile, Air India has pledged full cooperation, assuring investigators of complete support in accessing all necessary technical data.

The incident has raised important questions about aircraft safety protocols, technical oversight, and whether prior recommendations concerning critical engine switches were adequately implemented. A more detailed final report is expected in the coming weeks.