**Boeing, GE, and Air India Blamed for Ahmedabad Plane Crash, Says MP**
In a recent statement, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi criticized Boeing, General Electric (GE), and Air India for their roles in the tragic plane crash near Ahmedabad that resulted in the loss of 260 lives. Following the release of the preliminary report by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), Chaturvedi emphasized that the pilots should not be held responsible. “It seems clear that Boeing (manufacturer), GE (engine), and Tata Air India (operator) failed us, not our pilots,” she expressed on social media platform X.
The AAIB report highlighted critical findings, revealing that both engines of the aircraft shut down shortly after takeoff due to the fuel cutoff switches being moved from “RUN” to “CUTOFF.” While the report indicated no immediate evidence of sabotage, it noted a known advisory from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regarding potential flaws in the fuel switch, which Air India had failed to inspect.
Chaturvedi also took issue with a British media outlet’s claim that the pilots were responsible for cutting off fuel to the engines, stating, “Boeing Bacchao Corporation aka BBC.”
BJP MP Rajiv Pratap Rudy, who is also a commercial pilot, commented on the initial report, which pointed to technical issues and acknowledged the pilots’ actions in response to the situation. He noted that the aircraft had reached a speed of 180 knots after takeoff, indicating it was initially capable of flight. Rudy further mentioned that both fuel switches were found to be in the “on” position after the crash, adding, “Only time will tell what happened exactly.”
CPI(M) leader Brinda Karat urged caution against speculation until the final report is released, stating, “I do not think we should be commenting on it… It is insulting to those who lost their loved ones.” She called for a halt to speculation, emphasizing the need to respect the victims’ families.
The AAIB’s preliminary report indicated that seconds before Air India flight 171 crashed on June 12, the fuel control switches for both engines were turned off, suggesting a significant error in the cockpit of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. The report included cockpit voice recordings where one pilot questioned the other about the fuel cutoff, with the other denying involvement. While the report did not assign explicit blame, it left open the possibility of pilot error, as no faults were found in the aircraft itself.
The Airlines Pilots Association of India has expressed concerns regarding the investigation’s transparency, calling for clarity in the ongoing inquiry.
**FAQ**
**What caused the Ahmedabad plane crash?**
The preliminary report suggests that both engines of the aircraft shut down due to the fuel cutoff switches being turned off, indicating a potential pilot error. Further investigations are ongoing to determine the exact cause.