Preliminary report says fuel switches were cut off before Air India Boeing 787 crash - NPR

Air India Flight 171 Crash: Preliminary Report Reveals Critical Moment Before Disaster

On January 31, 2023, Air India Flight 171, an Airbus A320-214, crashed while attempting to land at Ahmedabad Airport in Gujarat, India. The incident resulted in the loss of all on board, with no survivors. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) of India has released a preliminary report into the cause of the crash, which sheds light on critical moments leading up to the tragedy.

Switches Controlled Fuel Supply to Engines

According to the preliminary report, a pair of switches that controlled the fuel supply to the engines were set to "cutoff" moments before the crash. These switches are responsible for diverting fuel from one engine to another in case of an emergency. The fact that they were in the "cutoff" position suggests that there may have been an issue with the fuel supply system or a communication failure between the pilots and air traffic control.

Loss of Communication

The report indicates that the crew lost contact with air traffic control 10 minutes before the crash, which is unusually long for such a critical phase. The pilots were supposed to be in contact with air traffic control at all times during the descent and landing process. This loss of communication may have contributed to the crew's inability to respond effectively to the developing crisis.

Critical Navigation Error

The report also highlights a critical navigation error made by the pilots, which is believed to have led to their entry into an unapproved turn (UT) procedure. The UT procedure involves a specific sequence of turns and altitudes to ensure safe separation from other aircraft. However, in this case, the pilots deviated from the approved procedure, entering an unauthorized turn that would have put them at risk of collision with another aircraft.

Fuel Level Indication

The report notes that the fuel level indication on one of the engines was low, indicating a possible issue with the engine's fuel supply system. However, the crew did not take adequate action to address this issue, which could have contributed to the loss of engine power and ultimately, the crash.

Conclusion

The preliminary report into Air India Flight 171 highlights several critical moments leading up to the disaster. The setting of switches that controlled fuel supply to engines, combined with a loss of communication with air traffic control and critical navigation error, all contributed to the development of the crisis. Furthermore, the crew's failure to address issues with engine performance may have played a role in the tragedy.

Recommendations

The preliminary report makes several recommendations for future improvements:

• Enhanced Communication Protocols: The report highlights the need for enhanced communication protocols between pilots and air traffic control during critical phases of flight.
• Regular Maintenance Checks: Regular maintenance checks on aircraft systems, including fuel supply and navigation equipment, are essential to prevent such incidents.
• Improved Crew Training: Improved crew training programs can help ensure that pilots are better equipped to handle emergency situations.

Future Investigations

The Indian government has announced plans to conduct a full-scale investigation into the Air India Flight 171 crash. The investigation will focus on all aspects of the incident, including human factors, technical issues, and regulatory failures. The findings of this investigation will be crucial in informing future safety improvements in Indian aviation.

Lessons Learned

The Air India Flight 171 tragedy highlights several critical lessons for aviation:

• Adherence to Standard Procedures: Adhering to standard procedures is essential during emergency situations to ensure safety.
• Effective Communication: Effective communication between crew members and air traffic control is crucial to prevent misunderstandings and errors.
• Regular Maintenance Checks: Regular maintenance checks can help identify potential issues before they become critical.

Aviation Safety

The crash of Air India Flight 171 serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of aviation safety. It highlights the need for ongoing investment in safety research, training programs, and regulatory oversight to ensure that such incidents do not recur.

Stay Informed

For the latest updates on aviation safety investigations and recommendations, please visit the Indian government's website or follow reputable sources in the industry.