Investigators probing the fatal crash of an Air India aircraft in June have turned their focus toward the senior pilot on board after cockpit voice recordings and technical data revealed critical actions that led to the tragedy. The crash, which occurred shortly after takeoff and resulted in the loss of 107 lives, was initially thought to be linked to mechanical failure. However, new findings suggest that human error or intentional interference may have played a significant role.
According to a report by The Wall Street Journal, the cockpit voice recorder captured a conversation between the two pilots moments after both engines lost thrust. One pilot reportedly asked, “Why did you cut off the fuel?” to which the other responded, “I did not do so.” This exchange has become a central focus of the investigation.
Preliminary findings from India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) showed that both fuel control switches were manually moved from the “RUN” to “CUTOFF” position seconds after takeoff. The engines were subsequently restarted, but by then the aircraft lacked sufficient altitude and speed to regain control, leading to the crash.
US authorities assisting the investigation now believe that the senior pilot, who had logged over 15,000 flight hours, may have been the one to operate the fuel switches. The First Officer, in contrast, had about 3,400 flight hours and is not suspected of initiating the switch-off.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) responded to the findings by ordering mandatory inspections of fuel control switches across India’s fleet of Boeing 787 and 737 aircraft. Other countries, including South Korea, have followed suit. So far, no mechanical faults have been found in the switch mechanisms.
Air India CEO Campbell Wilson has urged caution in interpreting the findings, stating that there is no confirmed evidence of mechanical failure and that the investigation is still ongoing. Boeing and the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have also supported the integrity of the fuel control system design.
Further scrutiny has been directed at the senior pilot’s mental health history. Reports indicate that he had experienced emotional stress in recent years, including personal loss and health-related absences. While there is no conclusive evidence of deliberate sabotage, investigators have not ruled out the possibility.
The AAIB is continuing its review of flight data and voice recordings. A final report is expected by mid-2026. Meanwhile, aviation experts are calling for the inclusion of cockpit image recorders in commercial aircraft to enhance future investigations.
The incident has reignited global discussions on pilot mental health assessments, aircraft safety systems, and the importance of advanced cockpit monitoring tools. As the probe continues, families of the victims and the aviation community await further answers and accountability.