New revelations into the deadly Air India AI-171 crash suggest that crucial fuel switches were turned off moments before the disaster, leaving the pilots disoriented and scrambling for solutions in the final moments. Investigators say the cockpit voice recorder (CVR) and flight data indicate the crew was unaware that the plane’s fuel supply to engines was compromised.
According to officials examining the black box data, the fuel switches being turned off prevented proper engine operation, leading to a complete loss of power mid-flight. The pilots reportedly struggled to understand why both engines failed almost simultaneously and attempted emergency protocols, but the aircraft could not maintain altitude.
Sources close to the investigation claim human error or technical misjudgment may have played a role, though sabotage or a software malfunction has not yet been ruled out. Families of the 270 victims are now demanding greater transparency and accountability from both Air India and regulatory bodies.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has promised a full and impartial probe. The crash, one of India’s worst aviation tragedies, has reignited concerns over flight safety protocols and cockpit training standards across the national carrier’s fleet.
