NTSB chief warns against premature conclusions on Air India crash

A preliminary report by the Indian Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) revealed that two fuel switches were moved to the 'cut off' position shortly after takeoff, causing engine failure due to lack of fuel. Voice recordings captured co-pilot Clive Kunder questioning Captain Sumeet Sabharwa about the switch positions, but Sabharwa did not have an explanation.

The AAIB continues investigating whether human error or system failure caused the switches' movement. Of the aircraft's 242 occupants, only Vishwash Kumar Ramesh survived. The crash also resulted in additional fatalities on the ground when it struck a hostel block at B.J. Medical College.

Following these findings, India's Civil Aviation Authority ordered inspections of fuel switches on Boeing 737 and 787 jets within a week. Campbell Wilson mentioned in a memo that while some clarity has been achieved, more questions have arisen.

So far, investigators have not confirmed any mechanical design issues with Boeing aircraft or its engines manufactured by GE Aviation. No actions have been taken against Boeing or GE Aerospace by international aviation safety agencies like EASA for mandatory inspections of Boeing 787 aircraft.