Air India crash: Key questions first report does not answer

Who flipped the switches and what prompted it are some of the queries

- BY JUSTIN VARGHESE

India's preliminary investigation into last month's Air India crash in Ahmedabad has confirmed that two fuel cutoff switches were moved during takeoff, leading to a crash just 32 seconds after takeoff. But several critical questions remain unanswered.

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) report confirms that both fuel switches in the cockpit were turned off, causing a sudden loss of engine thrust. But it does not explain who flipped the switches, or what prompted the action.

There is a brief exchange mentioned one pilot asking the other, "Why did you turn them off?" but no clarity is provided on the response.

Why the delay?