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A preliminary report into the tragic Air India Express flight 737 crash in Kozhikode last month has revealed a critical detail: fuel control switches were inadvertently moved from the 'run' to the 'cutoff' position just moments before the aircraft impacted the runway. The report, released by India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), sheds initial light on the sequence of events that led to the devastating incident, which claimed the lives of 21 people and injured many more.

The Air India Express flight, operating as flight 737 from Dubai to Kozhikode, overshot the runway during landing on August 7th. The aircraft, a Boeing 737-800, broke apart upon impact, causing widespread damage and sparking a fire. The AAIB's investigation is ongoing, but this initial finding is a significant development in understanding the factors contributing to the crash.

What the Preliminary Report Reveals

According to the report, the fuel control switches were found in the 'cutoff' position. This means the fuel supply to the engines was interrupted, potentially impacting the aircraft's ability to maintain control, especially during a critical phase of landing. The report does not yet explain why the switches were moved to this position, nor does it assign blame. It merely states the factual finding as part of the ongoing investigation.

Investigators are now focusing on several key areas, including:

• Pilot Actions and Training: A thorough review of the pilots’ actions leading up to and during the landing sequence is underway. This includes examining flight data recorders (black boxes) and cockpit voice recorders to understand their decisions and responses to the situation. Pilot training and simulator experience will also be scrutinized.
• Aircraft Maintenance Records: The aircraft's maintenance history is being examined to rule out any mechanical failures or malfunctions that might have contributed to the incident.
• Air Traffic Control Procedures: The role of air traffic control in guiding the aircraft and ensuring a safe landing environment is also being investigated.
• Runway Conditions: The condition of the runway at Kozhikode airport, including factors like wetness and visibility, is being evaluated.
• Human Factors: The investigation will also consider potential human factors, such as fatigue, stress, or distraction, that may have played a role in the events leading up to the crash.

The Ongoing Investigation

It is crucial to understand that this is a preliminary report. The AAIB's investigation is far from complete, and further analysis of data, interviews with witnesses, and examination of the wreckage are still required. A final report, which will provide a definitive cause of the crash and recommendations for preventing similar incidents in the future, is expected to take several months to produce.

The Air India Express crash has raised serious questions about aviation safety in India and prompted calls for enhanced oversight and stricter regulations. This preliminary report provides a vital piece of the puzzle, but the full picture will only emerge as the investigation progresses.

The families of the victims are understandably seeking answers and closure. The AAIB's investigation is committed to providing a thorough and transparent account of what happened and to ensuring that lessons are learned to prevent future tragedies.