Families of victims of the Air India crash are calling for greater transparency and accountability after a preliminary investigation report revealed that both fuel switches on the aircraft were moved to the cut-off position moments after takeoff, effectively cutting off fuel to the engines and plunging the aircraft into tragedy.
The report, published on Friday by India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), has deepened the mystery surrounding the crash, which occurred on 12 June shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad airport. The London-bound Boeing 787 Dreamliner slammed into a medical college, killing all 241 people on board. A further 19 people died on the ground, and 67 were seriously injured.
The report quotes a cockpit voice recording in which one pilot is heard asking the other, “Why did you cut off?” to which the second pilot replies that he did not do so. The seemingly inexplicable cut-off of fuel supply has raised new questions over mechanical malfunction, pilot error, or deeper systemic issues.
Ishan Baxi, cousin of Dhir and Heer Baxi, two sisters who had been returning to London after surprising their grandmother for her birthday, said the family was not satisfied with the current findings.
“We’re still hoping for a more transparent and honest investigation that doesn’t shy away from addressing possible mechanical flaws or lapses in protocol to avoid future potential accidents,” he said from Ahmedabad. “I just hope the final report brings full clarity on what exactly failed and who’s accountable. It shouldn’t hide behind vague terms. More than anything, it should push for real changes so this never happens again.”
Relatives of Akeel Nanabawa, his wife Hannaa Vorajee, and their four-year-old daughter Sara, who all perished in the crash, released a statement calling the report “the first stepping stone” towards justice and closure.
“Moving forwards, we require honesty, transparency and an unwavering commitment to uncovering the full truth,” the family said. “We seek justice and answers, both of which are essential for us to find any sense of closure.
“We accept God’s fate, but knowing what happened will help ease our hearts and allow us to begin the long journey of healing. Above all, we hope that by pursuing the truth, no other family will ever have to endure the shock, uncertainty, and profound sorrow that we have lived through this past month.”
Aviation lawyer Demetrius Danas, of Irwin Mitchell, who is advising several of the bereaved families, described the report’s findings as “deeply concerning”.
“We’re continuing to speak with and advise families who’ve been affected by the Air India crash. Understandably, all they want is to be provided with answers,” he said.
Fifty-two British nationals were among the dead, making the crash one of the worst aviation disasters in terms of UK fatalities in recent history.
According to the AAIB’s report, the aircraft began losing altitude before it had even cleared the airport perimeter wall. The engines lost thrust after both fuel control switches were set to cut-off. However, investigators said fuel samples taken from the aircraft’s refuelling tanks were “satisfactory,” and no significant bird activity had been detected in the vicinity of the flight path.
All crew members were breathalysed upon arrival at Ahmedabad prior to the flight and were deemed “fit to operate the flight,” the report noted. Investigators have since identified “components of interest for further examinations.”
UK Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said on Sunday that she had confidence in the ongoing investigation and affirmed Britain’s willingness to assist.
“We stand ready to assist the Indian authorities if they require that from us,” she said. When asked whether she believed Indian investigators were doing a good job, she responded: “On the basis of what I have seen so far, yes, but we do stand ready to provide any assistance. The US National Transportation Safety Board is also involved on an ongoing basis.”
Air India, which has faced mounting scrutiny in the aftermath of the crash, released a brief statement saying, “Air India is working closely with stakeholders, including regulators. We continue to fully cooperate with the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau and other authorities as their investigation progresses.”
