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A preliminary report into last month’s fatal Air India crash is expected as early as Friday, Reuters reported on Wednesday, citing three people familiar with the investigation. The focus of the probe has narrowed to the positioning of the aircraft’s engine fuel control switches.
The Boeing (NYSE:BA) 787 Dreamliner, bound for London, crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad on June 12, descending rapidly after reaching about 650 feet. The disaster claimed the lives of 241 of the 242 people aboard, along with additional fatalities on the ground.
Investigators are closely examining data from the aircraft’s flight and cockpit voice recorders, alongside a simulation conducted by Boeing (NYSE:BA), one source told Reuters. The inquiry is honing in on engine thrust, particularly actions involving the fuel control switches that regulate power to the engines.
While the switches are a central point of interest, investigators have yet to determine whether they were operated improperly, accidentally or deliberately. At this stage, no evidence points to a mechanical fault, and there has been no advisory issued to other operators of the 787 model.
Boeing (BA) declined to comment to Reuters on the investigation. Aviation industry outlet The Air Current first reported the focus on the fuel control switches.
Although Indian authorities are aiming to release a report roughly 30 days after the crash, sources told Reuters that the timing and scope of the document could still change. All three individuals spoke anonymously due to restrictions on sharing details publicly.
The crash comes as the Tata Group continues its ambitious push to rehabilitate Air India’s image and modernize its fleet following its 2022 takeover of the airline from the Indian government.
The accident also poses a broader challenge to India’s aspirations to become a major global aviation hub, a goal championed by New Delhi as part of its long-term development strategy.