The investigation into the Air India Flight AI 171 crash, which claimed 260 lives, is expected to reach an important stage as the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is likely to release another report around the first anniversary of the tragedy.
The upcoming report is expected to focus on one of the biggest mysteries in the crash — why both engine fuel control switches moved from “RUN” to “CUTOFF” just seconds after take-off. The earlier preliminary report revealed that this movement happened shortly after the aircraft became airborne, but it did not explain the exact reason. The authority is likely to release the final report on the crash this Friday.
Why is this important?
When the fuel control switches move to “CUTOFF,” fuel supply to the engines stops, causing the engines to lose power. Investigators are trying to determine whether this happened because of a technical malfunction or due to some other factor.
The preliminary findings led to two different theories. One suggested possible pilot action, while the other argued that a technical failure may have triggered a chain of events that resulted in the switches moving. However, the investigation is still ongoing, and no final conclusion has been reached.
Focus on the Ram Air Turbine (RAT)
A major point of interest is the aircraft’s Ram Air Turbine (RAT), an emergency power device that automatically deploys if the aircraft loses normal electrical power.
Experts quoted in the reports say that the exact timing of the RAT deployment could be a crucial clue. CCTV footage mentioned in the preliminary report indicated that the RAT was deployed during the aircraft’s initial climb immediately after lift-off.
If investigators establish that the RAT deployed before the fuel switches moved, it could suggest that the aircraft experienced a major electrical failure, which may have triggered other system failures. In such a scenario, experts say it could weaken theories blaming pilot action.
Lawyers representing victims raise questions
Lawyers representing the families of around 160 victims have said that the available video footage and photographs indicate the RAT may have deployed very early in the flight. They argue that investigators should carefully examine this timeline before drawing conclusions.
According to aviation lawyer Mike Andrews, understanding exactly when the RAT deployed is essential because it may explain what happened inside the aircraft during those critical seconds.
Another aviation lawyer, Chuck Chionuma, reportedly said that the technical and legal communities are waiting for the next AAIB report, as it may provide better clarity about the sequence of events.
Damaged recorder remains another challenge
The investigation is also examining the aircraft’s tail-mounted recorder, which was reportedly damaged during the crash. Officials have recovered data from the forward flight recorder, but specialists are still trying to understand the condition of the damaged recorder and whether it can provide additional evidence.
What happens next?
The expected AAIB report may answer several important questions, including, the exact sequence of events after take-off, when the Ram Air Turbine (RAT) deployed, why the fuel control switches moved to “CUTOFF” and whether there was any technical or electrical failure before the loss of engine power.
However, experts stress that only the final investigation report can determine the actual cause of the crash, and until then, all theories remain under examination.
Also Read: Viswashkumar, The Survivor Of The Air India Crash, But The Trauma Never Left Him https://www.vibesofindia.com/viswashkumar-the-survivor-of-the-air-india-crash-but-the-trauma-never-left-him/
