New Delhi: A preliminary investigation into the tragic Ahmedabad plane crash has revealed a startling detail: both fuel control switches on the ill-fated Boeing aircraft were found in the "off" position at the time of the accident. These critical switches, which manage the fuel supply to the plane’s engines, are essential to keep the aircraft airborne. The finding has left investigators puzzled and prompted a call for a more in-depth probe.
The initial report confirms that both engines had shut down completely, leading to the crash. Experts highlight that these fuel switches are not easy to move by mistake they are designed with deliberate resistance to prevent accidental activation. Located near the throttle levers in the cockpit, the switches must be manually lifted and pushed forward to allow fuel flow, or pulled backward to cut it off.
Investigators stress that these are not the type of switches that can be flipped unintentionally, such as by turbulence or a stray hand gesture. Activating or deactivating them requires a deliberate and conscious effort by the crew. Once set to the "cut-off" position, fuel flow stops instantly and the engine shuts down.
In an emergency scenario, if an engine stops during takeoff or mid-flight, standard protocol requires pilots to turn the fuel switches off and then quickly back on to attempt a restart. However, in this case, both engines ceased functioning just seconds after liftoff leaving no time for recovery.
Aviation experts find it highly unusual that any experienced pilot would intentionally disengage the fuel supply, particularly during the critical takeoff phase. Given this, investigators are now looking into potential mechanical failures, system malfunctions, or unexplained human error.
With these troubling findings, authorities have ordered a comprehensive and detailed investigation to determine how such a rare and deadly sequence unfolded.