An internal investigation into a recent Air India crash has uncovered troubling cockpit voice recordings that suggest the aircraft’s captain may have manually cut fuel to the engines moments before the incident, according to a source familiar with the matter.
The flight, which was en route from Mumbai to Dubai, crashed during its final approach after both engines lost power. Preliminary analysis of the black box data reportedly captured a conversation in which the captain instructed a reduction and subsequent cut in fuel flow to the engines, triggering emergency protocols just before the aircraft lost altitude.
The cockpit audio, reviewed by investigators, allegedly includes warnings from the first officer and onboard systems indicating critically low fuel pressure seconds before impact.
While authorities have not publicly confirmed the details, the findings have raised urgent questions about the captain’s decision-making and mental state during the flight. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched a comprehensive review, including psychological evaluations and training records of the flight crew.
A spokesperson for Air India said, “We are cooperating fully with authorities and support a thorough investigation into this tragic event. The safety of our passengers and crew remains our highest priority.”
The airline has grounded several similar aircraft pending results from the ongoing investigation.
No official cause has been determined, and final conclusions will depend on the full analysis of flight data recorders, maintenance logs, and interviews with airline staff.
