Air India Ahmedabad Crash Likely Result of Deliberate Fuel Switch Shutdown, Report Claims

Investigators probing the devastating Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner crash in Ahmedabad are reportedly examining the possibility that the tragedy may have resulted from a deliberate shutdown of the aircraft’s fuel control switches rather than a mechanical malfunction, according to a report published by Italian daily Corriere della Sera.

The newspaper, citing two individuals described as familiar with ongoing discussions between officials in Washington and New Delhi, stated that investigators increasingly believe the June 2025 crash may have stemmed from an intentional act. However, Indian aviation authorities have not yet released their final report, and officials have cautioned against drawing definitive conclusions before the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) complete their formal findings.

The aircraft, operated by Air India, crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad airport, striking a medical Students’ dormitory. The crash claimed 260 lives, including passengers, crew members, and individuals on the ground. Only one passenger survived the disaster, making it one of India’s deadliest aviation tragedies in recent history.

Focus on Engine Fuel Control Switches

According to the Italian publication, investigators have focused on the cockpit’s engine fuel control switches after preliminary technical analysis reportedly ruled out mechanical failure. Black box data indicated that both engines lost power after fuel supply was cut off — a function controlled manually through cockpit switches.

A preliminary report released in July 2025 by India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) included details of a cockpit voice recording in which one pilot was heard asking, “Why did you cut off (the fuel)?” The other pilot reportedly responded, “I did not do so.”

The exchange, though brief, shifted investigative attention toward the possibility of human intervention rather than equipment malfunction. Investigators have since examined whether the switches controlling engine fuel flow were intentionally moved to the cutoff position.

The aircraft was under the command of Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, with First Officer Clive Kunder serving as co-pilot. Both were among those killed in the crash.

Questions Remain Over Responsibility

Corriere della Sera reported that while the investigation has narrowed its focus, “responsibilities remain unclear.” The publication noted that speculation in some quarters has centered on Captain Sabharwal, including references to reports about Mental health concerns that surfaced in the weeks following the crash.

However, such claims remain unproven. Sabharwal’s family has strongly denied allegations regarding his psychological state. His father publicly rejected suggestions that personal issues, including unverified reports of marital difficulties, contributed to the crash. He has called for a fresh and transparent investigation to ensure fairness and protect his son’s reputation.

Pilots’ associations have also voiced concerns about premature conclusions drawn from preliminary findings. They have urged authorities to avoid attributing blame before the final investigative report is released, emphasizing the importance of evidence-based analysis.

Ongoing Review and Safety Implications

According to the Italian report, the final investigation may include recommendations concerning enhanced psychological evaluation and ongoing mental health monitoring for commercial airline pilots. aviation safety experts note that while psychological screening is already part of pilot certification processes, regulators globally have increasingly examined mental health protocols in the wake of past aviation incidents.

In the weeks following the crash, multiple theories circulated — ranging from technical malfunction and software failure to human error. Early technical assessments reportedly ruled out structural or mechanical breakdown of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, further concentrating attention on cockpit systems and manual controls.

Data recovered from the flight data recorder confirmed that both engines had ceased producing thrust before impact. Investigators determined that the switches governing engine activation and shutdown are manually operated and are designed with safeguards to prevent accidental engagement.

Awaiting the Final Report

Despite the latest media claims, aviation authorities in India have not officially declared the crash to be the result of an intentional act. Officials continue to stress that only the final report — expected to be released after comprehensive technical, procedural, and human factors analysis — will establish the definitive cause.

The tragedy has prompted renewed scrutiny of cockpit protocols, pilot wellbeing monitoring, and aviation safety oversight in India and internationally. Until the official findings are made public, investigators and regulators have maintained that all possibilities remain subject to formal verification.

The Ahmedabad crash remains one of the most closely examined aviation disasters in recent years, with its final conclusions expected to influence airline safety practices and regulatory standards worldwide.