What the ‘black box’ can tell us about plane crashes

Key Takeaways:

• Preliminary findings suggest fuel control switches were turned off.
• Engines were starved of fuel, leading to loss of thrust.
• Loss of engine thrust occurred shortly after takeoff.

Preliminary Findings Indicate Fuel Switch Error in Air India Crash

A preliminary report into last month’s Air India plane crash has suggested that the aircraft’s fuel control switches were turned off. This critical error resulted in the engines being starved of fuel.

Fuel Control Switches Turned Off

Investigators found that “the aircraft’s fuel control switches were turned off, starving the engines of fuel.” The fuel control switches are essential for regulating the flow of fuel to the engines, and their deactivation can have dire consequences.

Engines Starved of Fuel

With the fuel control switches turned off, the engines were deprived of the necessary fuel to operate effectively. This starvation led to a significant loss of engine thrust.

Loss of Thrust Shortly After Takeoff

The loss of engine thrust occurred shortly after the plane’s departure. This immediate failure during the critical phase of takeoff left little opportunity for corrective measures, culminating in the tragic crash.