AAIB and Air India CEO Urge Public to Await Full Investigation as Preliminary Report Highlights Fuel Control Switch Issue
New Delhi: The US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has publicly rebuked media reports suggesting premature conclusions about the recent Air India Boeing 787‑8 disaster in Ahmedabad. The preliminary investigation report, jointly produced by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau of India (AAIB) with NTSB assistance, indicated that both engines lost thrust within seconds of take‑off after the fuel control switches returned to the “cutoff” position.
NTSB Chair Criticises Hasty Reports
“An investigation of this magnitude takes time. No definitive statement can be made yet regarding the factors outlined in the preliminary report,” wrote Jennifer Homendy, NTSB chairwoman, in a social media post. She described the media coverage as speculative and urged restraint until all data are analysed.
Details of the Preliminary Findings
According to the report, on June 12 the Dreamliner 787‑8 carrying 242 souls departed Ahmedabad, only to witness both fuel control switches shift to “cutoff,” cutting fuel supply and causing a dual engine shutdown. Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) transcripts reveal Captain Clive Kunder asking First Officer Sumit Sabharwal why the switches had moved. Sabharwal maintained he did not touch them. Investigators are now focused on determining whether this was due to pilot error, mechanical failure, or a combination of factors.
Calls for Patience from AAIB and Air India CEO
Following the preliminary release, AAIB officials and Air India CEO Campbell Wilson appealed for public and media patience. They emphasised that drawing conclusions before the final report risks undermining the thoroughness of the inquiry and the families’ need for clarity.
Next Steps in the Investigation
Investigators continue to examine flight data recorder (FDR) outputs, maintenance logs, and CVR evidence. The AAIB has not set a timeline for the final report but confirmed that overseas expert panels, including the NTSB, will collaborate until all questions—including the precise cause of the switch movements—are resolved.
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