Air India’s CEO, Campbell Wilson, has issued a full statement after a new crash report revealed both engines shut down seconds after takeoff. The report follows last month’s deadly crash of Flight AI171, which claimed 260 lives.
In the statement, Mr Wilson said the investigation is “far from over.” He also warned against drawing any early conclusions about the cause of the crash.
The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner had taken off from Ahmedabad on June 12. The aircraft lost power shortly after takeoff and crashed while flying to London Gatwick. The crash killed 260 people, 241 of the 242 passengers onboard and 19 people on the ground. Only one passenger survived.
The preliminary findings, released by India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), revealed both engines shut down within moments of takeoff.
Investigators found that the aircraft’s fuel cutoff switches moved from ‘RUN’ to ‘CUTOFF’ just seconds apart. This cut fuel supply and caused both engines to fail.
According to the Independent, Mr Wilson confirmed the report found no mechanical or maintenance issues with the aircraft or its engines.
Credit: Kabir Jhangiani/NurPhoto/Shutterstock
He added that the airline had completed all mandatory maintenance. The fuel showed no issues and was free from contamination. Both pilots passed their pre-flight breathalyser and medical checks, Mr Wilson said.
In an internal memo, he wrote: “The release of the preliminary report marked the point at which we, along with the world, began receiving additional details about what took place. Unsurprisingly, it provided both greater clarity and opened additional questions.”
He continued: “The preliminary report identified no cause nor made any recommendations, so I urge everyone to avoid drawing premature conclusions as the investigation is far from over.”
Mr Wilson also said that, as a precaution, Air India had inspected every Boeing 787 in its fleet after the crash. All aircraft were found fit for service.
The airline says it continues to cooperate fully with authorities. It will carry out any further checks or inspections that may be required.
Families of the victims and aviation experts are now awaiting further updates from the AAIB.
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