The preliminary probe report claims both the fuel control switches were in ‘CUT OFF’ mode moments after lift-off (FADEC may be set to register like that). But the switches are mounted on the centre pedestal, between the seats of the captain and the first officer at arm's length. Who can switch it off? Transitioning is a two-stage manual procedure and that makes a clicking sound also. Not one, both switches! The switches are so protected by multiple layers of physical and procedural safeguards and guarded by metal brackets for a third party to meddle with easily. The cockpit is locked during takeoff. They are handled only for start and after landing, also in emergencies. Is it possible that the pilot just missed to put the switch to RUN while on the runway and the aircraft, a good one, was running on residual fuel? Which it can do for 20 to 40 seconds. The Air India flight stalled after 32 seconds of passing the Go/NoGo point.

(Soon after the videos came into public domain, the next day of the crash, our aviation expert had stated in these columns, the crash had something to do with the fuel line.)

(Soon we will put together another diverse discourse with experts to dispel any nagging doubts surrounding aviation dynamics that are stirring curious minds in the current context.)

NEW DELHI, July 12: The cockpit voice recorder of the Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner had captured one pilot asking the other in the final moments before the crash why did he cut off the engine fuel control switches and the latter responded that he did not, according to the preliminary report of the investigation into the air crash in Ahmedabad on June 12, raising fresh questions about the position of the switches.

Days ago it was reported that the investigation had narrowed down to the fuel switches.

The preliminary report released on Saturday by India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) does not say which pilot said what and who made the May Day call.

There is no transparency in the investigation, it is widely alleged. A few days ago the investigators 'leaked' a trickle of what they claim to have found out: That the issue was with the engine fuel control switches. And now they have released the next dose that the CVR shows one pilot asking the other why did he cut off the engine fuel control switch and the latter saying he didn't, just after the aircraft is airborne.

Move to blame pilots

The Airline Pilots’ Association of India (ALPA) alleged that there is concerted move to blame the pilots for the crash to save the Boeing company.

"The tone and direction of the investigation suggest a bias toward pilot error. We categorically reject this presumption and insist on a fair, fact-based inquiry," ALPA said in a statement.

"Investigations continue to be shrouded in secrecy, undermining credibility and public trust. Qualified, experienced personnel —especially line pilots—are still not being included in the in the investigation team," the statement said.

Exchange between the pilots

Exchange between the pilots at that moment of crisis can mean anything. It can be simply a way of saying that he has found to his shock the switches are off and he doesn't know how they were moved. The other pilot says he didn't. This for sure implies neither pilot did move the switches. For a moment we need to believe them. Because this was when they were scrambling to locate the fault in an emergency situation of no speed, no thrust, no lift at close to the ground that is a 'matter of life and death' during takeoff, takeoff being the most crucial part of a flight.

On the other hand, a pilot can manage engine failure at higher altitudes or while landing if other systems are working because of the aerodynamic design of modern aircraft. The Hudson river episode is an excellent example, where both engines damaged in bird-hit. No casualties! In the case of the Ethiopian MAX disaster the system malfunctioned and it dropped vertically and crashed. There were no survivors.

Preliminary report

According to the 15-page preliminary report , the transitioning of both the fuel control switches from ‘RUN’ to ‘CUT OFF’ position happened moments after lift-off.

It says the aircraft was airborne only for 32 seconds (may be from Go/NoGo point to stall). The probe has ruled out fuel contamination. There was no bird activity and the weather too was fine, it says. It finds nothing wrong with the flap setting and the gear being extended for that point of time of takeoff. But RAT deployment as seen in videos shows without any doubt that there was power failure. The pilots were medically fit and fresh to take off. They were highly experienced. The investigators corroborate these factors. They say there was no dangerous goods onboard and the aircraft weight was normal (How could they certify that after crash? What is the veracity of papers submitted by ground staff). There is also no evidence of sabotage so far, the reports says.

The findings are:

• Both engines shut down within seconds of lift-off. Switches moved from run to cut off one after other.
• Cockpit voice recorder says one pilot asking the other why did he cut off the engine fuel control switch and the latter saying he didn't. (They are at the pilots' arm's length and a two-stage procedure produces a click sound in each case. In the first moments after being airborne the pilots are still engaged in very crucial operations and both should in their seats. So the question can just mean an expression of a shocking discovery!).
• RAT (Ram Air Turbine) deployed, proof of power failure (CCTV).
• Engine relight attempted. Engine One showed signs of recovery. Engine two could not sustain (crash was too soon).
• Aircraft was airborne for only 32 seconds.
• Thrust levers found at idle but takeoff thrust was engaged (could be because of FADEC).
• Fuel tested clean
• Flap setting at 5 deg and gear down are normal for takeoff.
• No bird activity or weather issues.
• Pilot credentials clear
• No evidence of sabotage. Inspections of fuel flow not done by airline.
• Aircraft weight within limits. No evidence of dangerous goods.

Two vital features about fuel control switches

The switches are mounted on the centre pedestal, directly behind the thrust levers, between the captain and first officer seats. Each engine has its own switch, labeled typically as Engine 1 and Engine 2 (SEE diagram). Pilots can reach them without leaning forward or standing up. They are at arm's length. They are used in engine start, shutdown or emergencies (engine fires).

They are not automated and there cannot be accidental shutdown. They need to be put to RUN or CUT OFF position manually. The motor start switch to spin the engines and the ignition switch are also under the pilots' physical control. The fuel control switch doesn't handle fuel unlike what it implies. When moved to RUN, what happens is that an electronic command goes to the fuel valve on the fuel line near the engine to open in order to send fuel to the respective engine from the nearby tank. And the switch has done its job, unlike an electric switch at home.

Experts also pointed out that these switches are manual and not motorised, and cannot be physically moved by electrical signals or the plane’s avionics. They are designed such that they can be operated only manually.

There cannot be any accidental 'on' 'off' movement either. Look at this: A threaded cap like screw-in secures the car fuel tank that needs to be manually rotated to open the tank. There is an additional lid for cover which is also opened manually by the pump jockey after the driver physically pulls a lever to unlock the tank. Just to illustrate that certain mechanisms cannot operate accidentally.

How the engines start running?

Engine Start Switch spins the engine, Ignition System sparks the igniters, Fuel Control Switch to RUN introduces fuel to combustion chamber via injectors. And FADEC (Full Authority Digital Engine Control) checks and ensures all the three are synchronising, and combustion begins. The aircraft is ready to run and lift off, controlled by thrust levers mounted on the centre pedestal located between the two pilots.

The last moments

About 10 seconds after switches were moved to cutoff, the fuel control switch for Engine 1 was moved back to RUN, followed by Engine 2 four seconds later. The pilots managed to relight both engines, but only Engine 1 regained power. Engine 2 did not build enough thrust to stop the plane's descent. One of the pilots made a "Mayday, Mayday, Mayday" call, and that the last.

They actually did not lose their nerves. They found out the fault in the few moments and moved the switches to RUN, first left engine that was brand new and then the other which is a repaired one. From zero to full throttle and the full thrust it takes at least a few seconds but those seconds were not available, the plane crashed on the building. Just seconds shy of thrust. They were at an altitude of about 650 feet not enough for any manoeuvring. Had they been a little higher, even one engine would have saved those 260 lives. A video shows the system was working, because the aircraft was gliding and not falling.

At the crash site, both fuel switches were found in the “run” position.

The only thing conclusive is that the fuel supply to both the engines was cut. How did it happen?

The crash on June 12 killing 241 on board and 19 on the ground, was one of the worst air disasters in recent history.

The CCTV footage and the video circulating on social media do not indicate any serious abnormalities in takeoff or descent, it has been confirmed. The disaster is becoming curiouser and curiouser. The flight path was not curvy. And the aircraft maintained a steady, gliding descent with its nose straight and the wings perfectly level. The pilot's distress call does not specify what prevented lift and climb-out. Here are some expert opinions. The sole purpose is to raise travellers' awareness about air travel.

Many of the victims were charred beyond recognition, making identification difficult. Three hundred nineteen body parts have been sent for DNA matching with relatives to determine the identities.

• The Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla line provides Kashmir with all-weather connectivity and integrates the Valley with the rest of India.
• The saying 'Kashmir to Kanyakumari' is now a dream come true.
• The Chenab bridge on the line, an engineering marvel, is the world's highest railway bridge, taller than the Eiffel Tower. (Video: File)

A comment on social media on Kanimozhi's answer on the question of national language read: "Daughter of Kalaignar M. Karunanidhi. Delivered the Birthday Present to her Father!!" (Karunanidhi was born on June 3, 1924) (Today's headlines )

Trump said, "Elon is not really leaving" and will be "back and forth" to the White House because DOGE is his "baby." "I think he’s going to be doing a lot of things.”

Musk wrote: "My scheduled time as a Special Government Employee comes to an end... The @DOGE mission will only strengthen over time as it becomes a way of life throughout the government." Now on it will be on auto-pilot.

PROGNOSIS: DOGE was prematurely born to protect the country by aborting an impending socio-economic disaster which very few people could see coming.

Although its immediate job was to save American taxpayers billions by slashing waste, eliminating fraud, cutting Government bloat and ensuring utmost efficiency in administration for the good of the people. (Today's headlines )

"Coming from a system like in England, empowering," she says she never had an idea of this sort of experience... being asked to “socialise with middle-aged men” who financed the event...humiliating...

Originally from Junagadh, Gujarat, Pataudi was relocated to Etawah Lion Safari in September 2019 before being transferred to Gorakhpur Zoo in 2021. Recently it was receiving treatment for pancreatic and liver infections. After tigress Shakti died in the zoo on May 7 due to bird flu, Pataudi was shifted to Kanpur. Some birds are also reported to have died mysteriously around Gorakhpur. All zoos in UP are closed for fear of a bird flu outbreak.

Three other animals too had died - a tiger, a leopardess and a female wolf. Wolf Bhairavi died last Saturday, leopardess Mona died the Thursday before that and tiger Kesari died on March 30. Some of them had Shakti's symptoms but the cause of death has not been confirmed yet.

As tourist inflow is an indicator of normalcy returning to an erstwhile terrorist infested Valley, the Government has been trying hard to make everything travel-friendly, launching lot many projects and bringing Kashmir on the national rail map that physically completes the process of Kashmir's integration with the rest of India. And that defeats the designs of Pakistan eyeing Kashmir and simply explains a recrudescence of terrorism in J&K.

The committee headed by justice Kurian Joseph will study Centre-State relations and make proposals to ensure foolproof separation of powers.

"It's a big victory not just for Tamil Nadu but for all Indian States. DMK will continue to struggle for and win State autonomy and Federal polity," Chief Minister MK Stalin said.

Of 2.08 km in length, it features 99 spans and a 72.5-metre vertical lift span that rises up to a height of 17 metres, facilitating smooth movement of ships while ensuring seamless train services to the holy town of Rameswaram on Pamban island.

ANALYSIS: There is a lot of hue and cry around the world over Trump's tariffs. But tariff, simply put, is a tax. But unlike tax, it affects the exporting country too. Domestic prices will go up for some time. Nothing more will happen, good or bad!

What motivated Trump's newfound policy, apart from being a stunt to justify his existence in the White House, is a false realisation that increased tariff will make foreign goods prohibitive, thereby boosting local production, and create more jobs, and more prosperity will ring in! If that is true, India would have been shining by now: Producing own Rolls-Royce La Rose Noire Droptail and Scotch Whiskies! And what about coconut and palm oil by America! (Today's headlines )

PROGNOSIS: It looks a Real New Trump is emerging - courageous, balanced, powerful and disinterested. Determined to save his country from the cliff, he has done quite a few draconian things that will reduce the burden of debts of the Federal entity, like the golden handshake, stopping senseless funding, pulling out of a worthless WHO. Shutting the Education Department is another. On the other hand, running it is also not the Centre's job either (We will convincingly elaborate it in the next chapter).

In India the scene is just the opposite. Centralisation is the core agenda and identity of the ruling dispensation without which it has no existence, or in other words, it exists for that set of schemes only. A realisation of this never dawned upon any Opposition party in 2014 or any time thereafter, what to talk of being able to see it coming 70 years ago! The consequence of all this violation of basic natural law of the universe we cannot predict.

THE AMERICAN CONUNDRUM: Political venom has migrated to top echelons in the US. It was reported last year NASA has become politicised, vitiated. But NASA refuted the charge. How Boeing developed a glitch but its unmanned return was smooth. When Suni-Wilmore were stranded last June, why the return was set for February? Because that comes only after January 20! SpaceX called the shots, for itself and for Trump. Then the mission was manipulated for March for a better bargain! In between, what made Elon Musk 'predict' during campaign if Kamala Harris wins he would be in jail. In politics, it is said, "the only rule is there are no rules." Difficult times for Americans too.

The terminations are part of a large-scale exercise going on all across Fed departments and organisations to reduce wasteful Government expenditure as decided by a Trump in a mess gone berserk, and improve administrative efficiency following the whims of billionaire and his associate Elon MusK and his DOGE. It has not been shared how terminations are going to raise the efficiency bar! It looks like Trump has stolen some of the prescriptions meant for India. But the American problems are quite different.

Suddenly these colonial clerks feel this effortless, little rule will tremendously enhance security and convenience for the railway passengers manifold. More stations will be covered in the next 77 years! (Also See: New Delhi station stampede... What went wrong?)

ANALYSIS: "The standard operating procedure for deportations by aircraft used by ICE that is effective from 2012 provides for the use of restraints," says the Government. That means, it is taken for granted the US will set the standard for deportations. For another, the Government is more interested in comparing with what happened in 2012 under a different Government to justify its own compliance! No surprise, others are trampling upon us. (How we conduct ourselves inside decides, inherently, how we are treated outside) Thirdly, the Government blamed the gangs doing the business of human trafficking for the illegal migration. For all the crimes taking place in the country, let us blame the criminals! Funny! We will never move an inch forward! The mindset defines what we are.

Meanwhile, a UN-returned Congress leader Shashi Tharoor sounded like a layman when he said, "If they are citizens of India we have an obligation to take them back." Who said 'No'?. He should know that is not the issue now. Who will identify an undocumented person, and how?

The function was held indoors from 12 pm (10:30 pm IST) at the rotunda of the US Capitol building because of unusually intense cold and snow. Delivering his inaugural address, Trump remarked, “The golden age of America begins right now," and just hours later signed a slew of executive orders to redeem the election pledges.