Investigators are delving into the actions of the captain in last month’s Air India crash, following reports that cockpit recordings suggest he may have turned off critical fuel switches. According to a recent report by the Wall Street Journal (WSJ), dialogue between the two pilots indicates that the captain moved the engine fuel control switches to the “cutoff” position shortly after takeoff.
The first officer, who was piloting the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, reportedly questioned the captain’s action, expressing surprise and concern. The WSJ cites sources familiar with U.S. officials’ early assessment of the evidence. So far, India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Boeing, and Air India have not commented on these claims.
The pilots involved were Captain Sumeet Sabharwal and First Officer Clive Kunder, with respective flight experiences of 15,638 hours and 3,403 hours. A preliminary report released by India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau highlighted confusion in the cockpit before the June 12 crash and raised questions about the position of the engine fuel cutoff switches.
Pilot associations have responded strongly, cautioning against premature conclusions. The Airline Pilots Association of India criticized the preliminary report for alleged bias toward pilot error, insisting on a fair and fact-based inquiry. They have requested observer status in the investigation to ensure transparency.
Similarly, the Indian Commercial Pilots’ Association warned against speculative judgments, emphasizing that the crew acted according to their training under challenging conditions. They underlined that vilifying the pilots without conclusive evidence is unacceptable and urged for patience until the official investigation is complete.
As the investigation continues, all eyes are on the final report to shed light on the true cause of the tragic crash. Authorities and aviation experts alike emphasize the importance of a thorough and unbiased examination to improve safety and prevent future incidents.
