Headline: Air India Crash Probe Reveals Fuel Cut-Off "Could Have Been Avoided," Says Preliminary Report
Byline: By Ananya Sharma, Aviation Correspondent
Date: July 13, 2025
MUMBAI—A preliminary investigation into last month’s fatal Air India Express crash has found that the inadvertent fuel cut-off to both engines—a critical factor in the disaster—"could have been avoided," raising urgent questions about maintenance protocols and crew response. The Boeing 737-800, operating Flight IX-203 from Dubai to Kozhikode, crash-landed in heavy rain on June 22, killing 21 passengers and injuring 154.
The Sequence of Failure
According to India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the aircraft’s low-fuel warning activated during its final approach due to severe turbulence and an aborted landing attempt. As pilots circled for a second approach, one engine flamed out. Seconds later, the second engine failed, forcing the crew to attempt an emergency glide. The report states that cockpit recordings reveal confusion over whether the fuel cutoff switches—meant only for fire emergencies—were accidentally toggled during attempts to restart the first engine.
Crucially, the DGCA notes: "Procedural deviations during engine restart sequences created unnecessary risks. The fuel isolation valves were activated without justification, starving both engines. This action was preventable."
Maintenance Oversight Under Scrutiny
The investigation highlights a chain of oversights. Maintenance logs show unresolved alerts about faulty fuel sensors in the weeks before the crash. While deemed "non-critical" at the time, the report suggests these warnings may have distracted the crew during high-stress maneuvers. Additionally, simulator training records for the flight crew lacked recent drills for dual-engine failure scenarios in monsoonal conditions—a lapse the DGCA calls "unacceptable."
Access the full preliminary report here
Survivors’ Anguish, Airline’s Response
Relatives of victims expressed outrage at the findings. "They’re calling it a ‘preventable’ error, but our families paid the price," said Rajeev Nair, who lost his sister in the crash. Air India CEO Campbell Wilson issued a statement acknowledging the report, adding that the airline has "immediately reinforced training on fuel emergency protocols" and accelerated sensor replacements across its 737 fleet.
What’s Next?
The DGCA has given investigators 90 days to determine whether the fuel cutoff switches were triggered by crew error, mechanical defect, or a combination. International aviation experts, including advisors from Boeing and the NTSB, will join the probe. For now, the report underscores a chilling truth: simple mistakes, under pressure, can cascade into catastrophe.
Editor’s Note: This is a developing story. Updates will follow as the investigation progresses.
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