Air India Crash probe Focuses on Pilot’s Mental‍ Health Amid Bereavement ⁤and Expert Doubts

An aviation expert has cast important doubt on mechanical failure as ‍the cause⁤ of a deadly Air India crash, suggesting the catastrophe ‍may have‍ been the⁣ result of ‍a deliberate act. The investigation is now increasingly focusing on the⁢ mental health of the pilot, who was reportedly dealing ⁢with a recent bereavement.

Expert ⁤Questions Mechanical⁣ failure in Air India Tragedy

Prominent⁢ aviation‍ expert Terry Tozer, a former pilot himself, has challenged the likelihood of accidental mechanical failure in ⁤the Air ⁣India crash. Tozer stated that the odds of ‍the aircraft’s fuel cutoff switches being activated⁣ accidentally are “vanishingly small,” citing their built-in locking mechanism.

His remarks ‍follow⁣ the release of⁢ a preliminary report detailing the harrowing final moments inside the cockpit of Flight AI171. The aircraft went down shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad,‍ en route to London Gatwick, ⁣killing 241 passengers and crew, and 19 people on the ground.

“The switches must be lifted before ⁣they can be moved,” Tozer⁢ told The Sun. “They’re locked in position otherwise. The fact that⁣ both switches were moved,first one,than the other,strongly implies a⁤ deliberate ⁣action.”

The preliminary report from India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation⁤ Bureau found no mechanical faults or signs of improper maintenance. crucially, it revealed that fuel ⁤was cut off⁣ shortly after ‍takeoff – a move ‍that experts like Tozer believe would almost⁣ certainly have required ⁢human intervention.

While the report⁤ refrains from assigning blame,it has intensified speculation that the crash may have been caused by pilot suicide. Investigators ⁢have not ⁤disclosed which⁤ pilot uttered the ⁤phrase,⁣ “Why did you cutoff?” during the final moments. Experts suggest this omission might indicate a cautious ⁣approach until the full report is released.

Pilot Under ⁢Scrutiny ⁤Amid ⁣Personal Struggles

Captain Sumeet sabharwal, ⁢who commanded the ill-fated flight,⁣ is ⁣now under increased scrutiny. Neighbours and colleagues have revealed that ⁤he ⁢was dealing⁤ with the recent death of his mother and was considering early retirement‍ to ⁢care for his elderly father.

Reports⁢ have also emerged suggesting that Sabharwal had taken leaves of ⁣absence in recent years due to depression⁤ and ⁤mental⁤ health challenges.

Air India CEO Campbell wilson has urged restraint,cautioning that the investigation is ongoing.In a leaked internal memo, he reminded staff not to jump to conclusions, noting ⁢that ⁢the preliminary report “opened additional questions” without offering a definitive cause.

Still, the⁢ growing evidence and expert opinions continue to shift the conversation toward the possibility of intentional sabotage, adding pressure on investigators to provide a definitive conclusion in the coming months.