Air India Crash: Could Cockpit Video Recorders Have Unveiled The Fuel Cut-Off Mystery?
The big question in the AI-171 crash is if the fuel cut-off happened by mistake, was sabotage, or an inherent technical fault as flagged once by the FAA seven years ago
Commercial airlines do not have any cockpit video cameras—something that may have resolved the mystery on how the fuel cut-off switches on the ill-fated AI-171 moved from 'RUN' to 'CUTOFF' position and led to one of the worst aviation disasters.
For the last 15 years, the US National Transportation Safety Board's (NTSB) has been recommending such video recorders inside the cockpits of commercial airlines, both existing and future ones, in addition to the cockpit voice recorders. NTSB has made this recommendation repeatedly, and in its last list of 'most-wanted" transportation safety improvements too. But privacy concerns cited by pilot associations have thwarted this move.
The big question in the AI-171 crash is did the fuel cut off happen by mistake, was sabotage, or an inherent technical fault as flagged once by the FAA seven years ago? As per the initial report of the AAIB, all one has as an indication so far is from the cockpit voice recording. One of the pilots is heard asking the other why did he 'cutoff". The other pilot responded that he did not do so. There is no visual recording of what had transpired.
A visual recording would have shown whose hand was on the cut-off switch, or did it happen on its own. But it may remain a mystery now, unless the final investigation report expected after some months reveals the same. The Engine 1 and Engine 2 fuel cutoff switches transitioned from RUN to CUTOFF position one after another with a time gap of just one second, the report says.
The NTSB has recommended that the Federal Aviation Administration require new and in-service commercial jets be equipped with a 'crash-protected cockpit image recording system". This would be an enhancement from the flight-data and cockpit-voice recorders. Will the AI-171 mystery be the cue for it?
view comments
First Published:
Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
News18
2 hours ago
- News18
Maharashtra Lottery Result Today Live: Winning Numbers For July 18, 2025
Maharashtra State Lottery Result Today Live, July 18, 2025: Here's full list of winning numbers for lottery draw. Maharashtra State Lottery Result Today Live: The Maharashtra State Lottery Department held several weekly draws on July 18, 2025, in collaboration with Lottery Sambad. These draws, conducted at various times throughout the day, offered participants multiple chances to win attractive cash prizes. Below are the highlights of each draw and instructions on how to check the results. Maharashtra Vaibhav Laxmi Weekly Lottery Draw Date: July 18, 2025 Time: 4:15 PM First Prize: Rs 7 lakh This is the golden opportunity for the participants to win an impressive amount of cash prizes. Maharashtra Sahyadri Rajlaxmi Weekly Lottery Draw Date: July 18, 2025 Time: 4:30 PM First Prize: Rs 10,000 Held every Friday, this draw attracts significant participation across the state. This is one of the most anticipated weekly draws, with thousands of hopeful participants checking results every Friday. Maharashtra Ganeshlaxmi Dhan Weekly Lottery A well-liked draw, this lottery offers modest yet motivating rewards to regular players. How to Check Maharashtra State Lottery Results To view any of the results listed above: Maharashtra State Bumper Lotteries Apart from weekly draws, the Maharashtra State Lottery Department also organises special Bumper Draws throughout the year, featuring much larger prizes. These include: These bumper draws are eagerly awaited and offer a grander scale of winnings for lottery enthusiasts. Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
News18
7 hours ago
- News18
Panchang Today 18 July 2025: Ashwini Nakshatra And Auspicious Timings
Panchang July 18, 2025: Ashwini Nakshatra and Dhriti Yoga favor new ventures, health efforts, and courage. Avoid Rahu Kaal and act during Abhijeet Muhurat for best results. Aaj Ka Panchang, July 18, 2025: Today is Friday, and the date is Krishna Paksha Navami, which is considered important for goddess worship and mental strength. Today's Nakshatra is Ashwini, which symbolizes new beginnings, enthusiasm, and speed. This nakshatra is considered auspicious for health improvement, medical work, and travel. Karan Taitil and Yoga Dhriti, which will be effective till 03:57:43 AM, will increase self-confidence and courage. Today, the Moon is transiting in Aries, which strengthens enthusiasm, competitive spirit, and decision-making ability. Sunrise will be at 06:06:02 AM and sunset at 07:27:53 PM, while moonrise will be at 12:36:03 AM and moonset at 01:05:31 PM. According to the season, the last phase of summer (moving towards the beginning of the rainy season) is still going on. According to the Hindu calendar, today falls under Shak Samvat 1947 and Vikram Samvat 2082, in which Ashadha month is going on according to Amamant method and Shravan month is going on according to Purnimant method. In terms of auspicious times, Abhijeet Muhurta will be from 12:20 PM to 01:12 PM – this time is especially favorable for new work, fasting, worship, or inauguration. On the other hand, inauspicious Muhurta will be Rahu Kaal from 11:06 AM to 12:46 PM, Yamaganda Kaal from 04:07 PM to 05:47 PM, and Gulik Kaal from 07:46 AM to 09:26 AM – avoid starting any new or important work during these times. Overall, today is a day full of new beginnings, confidence, and energy. If you are planning a big decision or a new project, then go ahead, keeping in mind the auspicious time. Also, avoid anger or haste, so that you can get the full benefit of the day. Aaj Ka Panchang, July 18, 2025 Sun & Moon Calculations Hindu Month & Year Inauspicious Timings (Ashubh Muhurat) Auspicious Timings (Shubh Muhurat) Abhijit: 12:20:00 PM to 01:12:00 PM. (The author Chirag Daruwalla is the son of Astrologer Bejan Daruwalla). First Published: July 18, 2025, 05:00 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
News18
11 hours ago
- News18
Kerala Plus Two SAY Result 2025 Soon At keralaresults.nic.in; Steps To Check
Last Updated: Kerala Plus Two SAY Result 2025 will be made available on the offcial website at and Kerala Plus Two SAY Result 2025: The Directorate of Higher Secondary Education (DHSE) will soon announce the Kerala Plus Two Supplementary Results 2025. Students can check their results on the official websites at or once they are released. To view and download the results, students will need to log in using their roll number and date of birth. These supplementary exams were held for students who couldn't pass the regular Class 12 board exams. They were given another chance through the Kerala Plus Two Supplementary Exams 2025. According to the official timetable, these exams took place from June 12 to June 20, 2025. Websites To check Kerala Plus Two SAY Results 2025: How To Check Kerala Plus Two SAY Results 2025? Step 1: Go to or Step 3: Enter your roll number and date of birth in the login window, then click Submit. If you pass the exam, you can move ahead with college admissions, appear for entrance exams, or begin planning your career. However, if you don't pass, there's no need to worry — you still have options. You can apply for re-evaluation, take the supplementary exams if you're eligible, or reappear for the board exams next year. Earlier this year, a total of 3,70,642 students appeared for the Kerala Class 12 board exams. Of these, 2,88,394 students passed, resulting in a pass percentage of 77.81%. This marks a slight decrease from the 78.69% pass rate recorded in 2024. Students are advised to check their results only through the official websites mentioned above and stay updated with announcements from DHSE. view comments Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
