New Delhi. An Air India flight from Ahmedabad to the UNITED Kingdom crashed on June 12, killing 260 people, according to a preliminary investigation report. It was confirmed that fuel supply to both engines of the plane had stopped moments before the crash.

According to a report released by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Department (AAIB), the fuel control switches of Engine-1 and Engine-2 were moved from ‘operation’ to ‘off’ positions, respectively, within seconds of the aircraft taking maximum speed after take-off.

In a conversation recorded in the cockpit, one pilot asked another pilot, “Why did you turn off the fuel? “In response, he said, ‘I didn’t shut down’. The plane then fell to the ground shortly afterwards, the report said.

The pilot had already sent an ’emergency message’ even though there were signs that the fuel supply had resumed after the accident and the engine would come into operation. After that, the plane went completely out of control.

No technical error

The report recalls that in 2018, the United States aviation regulator informed that technology to lock fuel control systems could fail. However, Air India said it was not a binding directive and did not carry out the inspection as suggested.

According to the report, there was no technical weakness on the part of the aircraft manufacturer and engine manufacturer. In addition, all the instructions related to the operation of the aircraft have been followed.

Only one survived

Only one passenger, who is a British citizen, survived the crash. He had walked some distance after the plane crash to a safe place and has now returned home from the health facility.

There were 230 passengers and 12 crew members on board. At least 19 people were killed and several others injured in the accident.

Research still underway

The cause of the accident is yet to be fully confirmed. International experts, aircraft manufacturers, engine manufacturers and related agencies are carrying out the investigation. The remaining evidence collection and analysis is underway.

Air India said it was fully cooperating with the investigation, while the aircraft manufacturer expressed condolences to all those affected.