In a shocking twist to the Air India Flight 171 disaster that resulted in the loss of 260 lives, investigators are turning their attention to eerie cockpit audio that may provide crucial insights. Preliminary findings revealed that shortly after takeoff, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner's fuel-control switches were inexplicably moved to the "cut-off" position, resulting in a catastrophic power loss.
Capturing this alarming moment, cockpit voice recordings show one pilot questioning the other about the cut-off action, with an unclear response—heightening the mystery. At takeoff, the co-pilot was at the controls while the captain monitored, but an inexplicable switch that typically only activates upon landing threw them into chaos.
Flight data shows that the aircraft, which reached an altitude of 625 feet in clear skies, lost flight data after just 50 seconds. Investigators are now meticulously analyzing the cockpit recorders. The nature of the fuel switches—designed to prevent accidental activation—raises critical questions about why they were both turned off so abruptly.
Experts agree that these switches are engineered to resist accidental activation, suggesting that there is more to uncover about the actions leading up to the tragic event. Former accident investigator Shawn Pruchnicki points to the need to identify who flipped the switches and whether it was a deliberate action or a result of confusion.
Adding a layer of complexity to the investigation, concerns have emerged over the fuel control mechanisms on the aircraft. A 2018 bulletin from the FAA highlighted potential issues with similar systems used in the Boeing 737, including the locking features, which may have implications for the Boeing 787. Meanwhile, air safety experts are debating whether an electronic malfunction could have also triggered the switches.
With many pieces yet to fit into this tragic puzzle, the cockpit voice recorder holds the promise of clarity and future recommendations to enhance pilot awareness during emergencies. As investigators hurry to understand what went wrong in those terrifying moments, they emphasize the importance of clear voice identification and possible cockpit video recordings to better understand the crew's actions in such dire circumstances.
