A preliminary investigation report into the Air India Flight crash that occurred on 12 June 2025, claiming the lives of 260 people, has revealed alarming details regarding cockpit activity, fuel system behavior, and aircraft systems performance just moments after takeoff.
Engines Starved of Fuel Right After Takeoff
According to the report, Air India Flight crash occurred because both of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner’s fuel control switches moved to the “cutoff” position just seconds after takeoff, which led to the engines losing power. The cockpit voice recorder captured one of the pilots asking: “Why did he cut off?” The other replied that he did not initiate the action.
Significantly, these switches are located centrally in the cockpit and are not easily moved by mistake. This has raised questions over how they could have shifted positions without deliberate intent. Despite the unexplained switch movement, both switches were later found in the “run” position at the crash site, with one engine in the process of regaining power at the time of impact.
Emergency Systems Engaged – Ram Air Turbine Deployed
Airport CCTV footage confirmed the deployment of the Ram Air Turbine (RAT) – a small emergency wind-powered generator that activates only during critical power loss. The report shows the RAT deployed almost immediately after takeoff, confirming a full electrical and engine shutdown. A “Mayday” call was made at 8:09 a.m. (UTC), but no further communication was received from the pilots.
The enhanced airborne flight recorder (EAFR) data showed that thrust levers remained in takeoff position until impact, even though their final physical position was found to be near idle.
Crew Rested, Weather Clear – No External Causes
The report states the pilots of Air India Flight crash were well-rested, fit for duty, and cleared breath analysis before the flight. The aircraft’s weight was within operational limits. There were no signs of bird strikes, bad weather, or the presence of hazardous materials onboard. Furthermore, fuel quality from the ground tanks was verified and found satisfactory.
Faulty Design, Missed Inspections?
Investigators highlighted that in 2018, the US FAA issued a bulletin about certain fuel switch installations lacking a locking feature on Boeing 737 models. This concern was never classified as a legally mandated airworthiness directive. Notably, the same switch design was used in the Boeing 787-8 involved in this crash.
Air India confirmed that the advisory inspections were not performed, as the bulletin was non-mandatory.
This has reignited global scrutiny of Boeing aircraft safety, especially after recent high-profile 737 Max issues. While no formal recommendations have yet been made against Boeing or the Dreamliner model, experts stress that this finding from the Air India Flight crash deserves deeper review.0
Investigation Ongoing – Engines Quarantined
The Air India Flight crash investigation continues with both engines secured for further examination. The wreckage has been moved to a secure site, and fuel samples—though limited—will undergo detailed testing. Data from the EAFR is currently being analyzed.
Aviation experts emphasize that while this preliminary report doesn’t confirm all causes, it identifies several critical anomalies that demand urgent follow-up. As one veteran pilot stated, “There’s nothing here that is likely, but everything is possible.”
