Ahmedabad Plane Crash: Initial Report Reveals Fuel Supply Cut Caused Deadly
Ahmedabad Plane Crash: Initial Report Reveals Fuel Supply Cut Caused Deadly
Cockpit audio suggests confusion between pilots over fuel switch shutdown; 260 people lost their lives
The preliminary investigation into the tragic plane crash in India’s Ahmedabad city has revealed that both engines failed due to fuel supply being cut off. The accident claimed the lives of 260 passengers, making it one of the deadliest aviation disasters in the region in recent years.
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According to the 15-page initial report, the fuel switches for both engines were shut off one by one shortly after takeoff. As a result, fuel supply to the engines was interrupted, causing the aircraft to lose altitude rapidly.
Cockpit voice recordings reveal a startling exchange between the pilots. One pilot can be heard asking, “Why did you cut off the fuel switch?” to which the other responds, “I didn’t.”
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The report highlights that fuel control switches are specifically designed not to be accidentally turned off, as they require a two-step process: they must first be lifted and then moved downwards. Each engine has a separate switch.
Within seconds of realizing the switches were off, the pilots tried to restore them to the “Run” position. One engine managed to restart, while the second failed to fully engage.
Just nine seconds after the switches were cut, the pilot issued a Mayday call to Air Traffic Control. The report also states that the aircraft had achieved the required takeoff speed of 180 knots, but crashed just 23 seconds later.
The cause behind the unintended fuel switch shutdown is still under investigation. Authorities are examining whether human error, technical malfunction, or possible sabotage played a role.
