Criticizing the preliminary report released by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) on the tragic Air India crash in Ahmedabad on June 12, the Indian Pilots Guild (IPG) on Monday said the findings are insufficient in crucial areas, including the unexplained dual engine shutdown and the lack of detailed cockpit communication.
In a statement reacting to the report, the Guild said, “We find the current report incomplete in critical areas, specifically the unexplained dual engine shutdown and absence of detailed cockpit communication.”
According to the AAIB’s preliminary findings, both fuel control switches supplying fuel to the engines of Air India Flight 171 were turned off in quick succession, resulting in the shutdown of both engines moments before the aircraft crashed seconds after takeoff from Ahmedabad.
The cockpit voice recorder reportedly captured one pilot asking the other why he had cut off the fuel, to which the latter responded, “I did not.”
The AAIB released its 15-page preliminary report early on Saturday, detailing its initial findings into the crash that claimed 260 lives including 229 passengers, 12 crew members, and 19 people on the ground.