Families of victims of the Air India crash are voicing outrage over a preliminary report they claim is a blatant cover-up, unfairly pinning the blame on the deceased pilots. The report, released by Indian authorities, indicates that fuel switches were turned off during takeoff, leading to a catastrophic loss of engine thrust. This shocking revelation suggests a severe lapse in operational protocols, yet many relatives and industry experts believe the investigation is skewed to protect Air India and governmental interests.
The initial findings reveal that one pilot questioned why the fuel supply had been cut off, with the other denying any responsibility. Both pilots, Captain Sumit Saval and First Officer Clive Kunda, boasted over 14,000 hours of combined flying experience, including 9,000 hours on the Boeing 787. Despite this expertise, the report’s implications have drawn sharp criticism. Family members have expressed dissatisfaction, claiming the document fails to address critical safety issues and instead serves to exonerate the airline.
The Airline Pilots Association of India has also condemned the report for lacking sufficient evidence and objectivity. India’s Civil Aviation Minister has defended the investigation’s integrity, asserting that it is being conducted transparently. However, experts are raising alarms over the unlikelihood of the switches being turned off accidentally, given their design, which includes protective guards to prevent inadvertent activation.
Notably, the report references a 2018 FAA bulletin regarding potential issues with Boeing 737 fuel control switches, yet no actionable airworthiness directive was issued. This raises questions about Air India’s maintenance practices and whether they adhered to safety guidelines. The investigation’s inconclusive nature leaves open the possibility of improper actions or mechanical failures, prompting calls for a thorough and unbiased inquiry. As families seek accountability, the aviation community watches closely, hoping for a resolution that prioritizes safety and justice.