Mon Jul 14 20:31:35 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

The preliminary report by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) regarding the Air India crash on June 12, which killed 260 people, is sparking controversy. Aviation expert Captain Mohan Ranganathan suggests the crash may have resulted from a deliberate act, claiming the fuel switches were manually switched to ‘CUTOFF’ during takeoff. This claim is based on the pilot’s interaction – “Why did you cut off?” The other replied, “I didn’t.” This statement has been included in the AAIB report but with no context about when these words were spoken. Other aviation experts and former pilots are questioning his theory, with some emphasizing the possibility of a software malfunction and others pointing to a “squat switch.” The full cockpit voice recorder data has not been released to the public. Furthermore, questions are being raised about the timing of a Wall Street Journal article on the crash and the implications of a known FAA advisory on fuel switch flaws, which Air India failed to address, according to the AAIB.

**News Article:**

**Air India Crash Probe Sparks Pilot Suicide Debate Amidst Fuel Switch Controversy**

**New Delhi, India** – The preliminary report on the June 12 Air India crash that claimed 260 lives has ignited a heated debate within the aviation community. The report, released by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), has raised questions about the role of pilot actions and the potential for a mechanical or software malfunction.

At the center of the controversy is the theory proposed by aviation expert Captain Mohan Ranganathan, who suggests that the crash may have been caused by a deliberate act of manually switching off the fuel supply during takeoff. Captain Ranganathan points to the position of the fuel switches as evidence of manual intervention, and the exchange of two pilots captured in the report, “Why did you cut off? “I didn’t.”.

However, other aviation experts and former pilots are strongly opposing Captain Ranganathan’s theory. Captain Rakesh Rai, a Dreamliner pilot, suggests that the “CUTOFF” position could have occurred electronically due to a software malfunction. Captain Kishore Chinta called the pilot-suicide theory “absolutely absurd”, suggesting the mentioned exchange could indicate surprise and a failed attempt to fix the problem.

The AAIB’s report also noted a known FAA advisory from 2018 on a possible fuel switch flaw that existed. Air India failed to follow FAA guidelines by checking for the fuel switch flaw. Air India’s CEO, Campbell Wilson, said the report found no mechanical or maintenance issue with the doomed aircraft or its engines.

Adding to the intrigue is the timing of a Wall Street Journal article focusing on pilot actions and fuel switches. Furthermore, the families of the victims are still awaiting conclusive answers.

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