In brief
Indian authorities confirm the Air India crash investigation is progressing, but the final report’s release date remains unknown. Early findings point to fuel‑control switches going to cut‑off minutes after take‑off, sparking debate over pilot involvement. Pilots’ groups have responded to allegations that the senior pilot cut the fuel flow. The investigation continues to sift through flight data, engine records, and maintenance logs.
Investigation into cause of Air India crash ongoing, officials say
Indian authorities have said the investigation into the fatal Air India flight AI171 continues, with the final report to be released once the inquiry is complete. The agency highlighted that significant progress has been made in examining flight systems, engine components, and maintenance records.
No specific timeline has yet been set for when the investigation will conclude. Meanwhile, speculation about the crash’s cause has ballooned.
A preliminary report released last year indicated that seconds after take‑off, the fuel‑control switches moved to a cut‑off position, starving the engines and leading to complete power loss. Audio from the cockpit captured one pilot asking the other why this happened, with the other responding that they had not acted.
Recent media coverage has suggested that the senior pilot, Capt Sabharwal, may have cut the fuel flow. This claim has sparked backlash from Indian pilot associations and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau, who have denied such allegations.
