A preliminary investigation into the tragic Air India crash that killed 260 people has revealed alarming confusion in the cockpit, centered around the aircraft’s engine fuel switches, which unexpectedly moved to the cutoff position shortly after takeoff.

The June 12 accident, involving a Boeing 787 Dreamliner departing from Ahmedabad en route to London, marks the deadliest aviation disaster in over a decade. According to the report released by India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), both engines lost thrust moments after liftoff, leading to a rapid loss of altitude and ultimately a fatal crash into a nearby building.

In a chilling recording from the cockpit voice recorder, one pilot is heard questioning the other about cutting the fuel supply. The second pilot denied doing so. Investigators have not yet clarified which of the two—Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, 56, or First Officer Clive Kunder, 32—made the comment, or which pilot issued the desperate “Mayday” call moments before impact.

The AAIB report noted that the engine fuel cutoff switches, which are typically only used after landing or during rare emergencies like an engine fire, had flipped from “run” to “cutoff” almost simultaneously. This sudden action effectively starved both engines of fuel. Experts emphasize that the switches are not easily triggered accidentally and raise questions about how both could have been moved without intentional action.

“The timing between the switch movements was about one second—just enough time for a deliberate sequence,” said aviation analyst John Nance. However, no in-flight emergency was recorded that would have warranted engine shutdowns.

Remarkably, the fuel switches were later discovered in the “run” position at the crash site, and data suggests both engines attempted to restart just before the aircraft hit the ground. CCTV footage from the airport also revealed the deployment of the ram air turbine—a backup power source typically triggered by engine failure—immediately after takeoff, confirming that both engines had lost power early in the flight.

Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu urged the public and media to avoid speculation until the full investigation concludes. “Let’s wait for the final report before drawing conclusions. The well-being of the pilots and their families must be respected,” he stated.

The crash poses a significant setback to Tata Group’s efforts to modernize Air India, following its takeover of the airline from government control in 2022. The airline, while acknowledging the report, declined to comment further pending the final investigation outcome.

The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), both involved due to the aircraft’s and engine’s American origins, expressed support for the ongoing inquiry but found no immediate safety actions needed for other Boeing 787 or GE engine operators.

While mechanical failure hasn’t been ruled out, the AAIB emphasized that all safety directives and technical bulletins for the aircraft and engines were current and followed. Black box data from the aircraft is still being analyzed in detail, with a full report expected within the year.

Meanwhile, emotional scenes unfolded in Mumbai at a memorial service for the crew, as grieving families sought answers. The father of First Officer Kunder declined to comment, stating only that he was not affiliated with the airline.

This incident, along with regulatory concerns surrounding Air India Express, has placed the broader Indian aviation sector under increased scrutiny. With the government aiming to turn India into a global air travel hub, the tragedy underscores the importance of rigorous safety standards and transparent investigations.