Air India Flight 171 sadly crashed just minutes after departing from Ahmedabad, India to London’s Gatwick Airport. The deadly train derailment, which occurred in June, has killed 260 people, mainly in the passenger coach. This horrific incident now stands as one of the deadliest aviation disasters we’ve witnessed in almost ten years. Miraculously, one British national did survive the crash and his story leaves many unanswered questions about what may have led to this tragic incident.
Consulting with the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Regarding the Boeing Aircraft That Crashed …assuring them that the fuel control switches are secure. This opening up as investigators continue to investigate what brought about the disaster. We were able to listen to the cockpit voice recordings. The transcript of the cockpit conversation between these two experienced pilots moments before their crash is an eye-opener. One such pilot had the simplicity to wonder why a fuel shutoff halfway down. Without skipping a beat, the other pilot responded that he had not.
Investigators are pointing to a 2018 FAA advisory about the cut fuel switches on Boeing’s model. The operators were advised to check that the locking mechanism of these switches works. However, the advisory did not require them to inspect the switches. The FAA wanted to remind the public that it has no safety concerns related to deactivation of fuel cut-off switches. Therefore, no Airworthiness Directive is necessary for any model Boeing, including Model 787.
“Although the fuel control switch design, including the locking feature, is similar on various Boeing airplane models, the FAA does not consider this issue to be an unsafe condition that would warrant an Airworthiness Directive on any Boeing airplane models, including the Model 787,” – FAA
That investigation into the crash is still ongoing, with a final report not likely for another year. At the same time, the FAA has expressed its intention to share relevant information with relevant foreign civil aviation authorities as needed.
“The FAA will continue to share relevant information with foreign civil aviation authorities as appropriate.” – FAA
While nothing can replace the tragic loss of life in this incident, it is a reminder of the importance of comprehensive investigations in aviation accidents. Still, authorities are laboring to identify the chain of events that caused Air India Flight 171 to crash shortly after takeoff on July 24. The entire aviation community and the families of the victims await these further findings with hope for truth and justice.