NEW DELHI / LONDON — A preliminary report into the Air India crash that killed dozens last month found that critical fuel switches were turned off before the aircraft went down. The discovery raises serious questions about whether the tragedy could have been avoided.
Indian aviation authorities released the report, which is now under international review. The findings have triggered fresh grief and anger among the victims’ families. Many are now demanding accountability and a full investigation into what they believe was preventable negligence.
Fuel System Failure Under Scrutiny
Reuters reported that fuel switches were cut mid-flight, which starved the engines of fuel. This happened just before the plane tried to make an emergency descent.
Experts say the failure points to human error or a system malfunction. Both possibilities are central to the ongoing investigation.
The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is closely involved in the probe. It said its top priority is to follow the facts and act quickly on any safety risks found during the inquiry.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is leading the investigation on behalf of US authorities.
“This is not just about what happened,” said one aviation analyst. “It’s about why it happened, and if it could have been stopped.” He added that fuel mismanagement at cruising altitude is a serious red flag that investigators cannot ignore.
UK Government to Review Report Thoroughly
With 53 British nationals on board the flight that was headed for London’s Gatwick Airport, the UK Department for Transport has also issued a statement in response to the Indian authorities’ report.
“This was a tragic accident, and our thoughts remain with the victims and their families,” a spokesperson said. “The UK welcomes the publication of the Indian Authorities’ preliminary report and will review this in detail and consider if any action is required.”
The diplomatic engagement comes amid growing concerns about transnational aviation safety protocols, especially in cases involving multiple jurisdictions.
Families Express Outrage: “This Broke Our Home”
For many families, the technical details of the crash report only deepen the pain. Rafiq Memon, the uncle of Saiyed Javed Ali, who died in the crash along with his wife and two children, spoke to BBC Gujarati and called for legal action.
“Javed was the pillar of our house. All our hopes have been shattered,” Memon said. “This incident has broken many homes. A proper investigation must be done to find out what caused this crash.”
Javed had moved to the UK more than a decade ago and was visiting India to see his ill mother in Mumbai. He was on his way back to London with his family when tragedy struck.
Devastation on the Ground: 19 Killed in Homes
The consequences of the crash weren’t limited to those aboard the aircraft. The Air India jet, believed to have lost power just minutes before landing, plummeted into a residential neighborhood, destroying at least five buildings and killing 19 people on the ground.
Firefighters were seen battling heavy flames and smoke in the immediate aftermath. Footage shared by local media showed rescue teams pulling bodies from debris, while emergency crews worked to prevent further explosions from damaged gas lines.
“This wasn’t just a crash — it was an urban catastrophe,” one local official said. “Entire families have been wiped out.”
Global Aviation Under Pressure to Respond
The crash, its technical findings, and the international loss of life have placed global aviation authorities under pressure to revisit aircraft maintenance procedures, crew training, and the regulation of emergency systems like fuel management.
With the final investigation still underway, experts warn that the focus must remain on preventing future tragedies.
“Planes do not fall out of the sky without a chain of failures — whether technical, human, or systemic,” said an NTSB advisor. “The question is, where did the chain begin, and who needs to answer for it?”