SR22 Electrical Failure Crash; Air India Fuel Switches, Cessna 240 Crashes into Pacific

Max Trescott and Rob Mark return for episode five of NTSB News Talk with a full slate of recent accidents and preliminary reports that highlight critical lessons in decision-making, mechanical failure, and situational awareness.

They start with the tragic crash of a Cirrus SR22 in North Carolina that killed a family of four. The aircraft had experienced electrical issues early in the flight, and despite indications of ongoing problems, the pilot chose to continue to the destination rather than land. Max emphasizes how what may seem like a minor issue—such as an alternator failure—can escalate, especially if the pilot doesn’t fully understand the systems or how cascading failures can emerge.

Next, they examine a mid-air collision in Steinbach, Manitoba between two Cessna training aircraft. Despite clear weather and an active pattern, both pilots were killed. Max reminds listeners that most mid-airs happen close to airports, often on final. Rob adds that see-and-avoid doesn’t always work, especially with sun glare or poor traffic sequencing.

They then move to a bizarre and poorly documented case of a Cessna T240 that departed Ramona, California and flew 400 miles offshore before descending into the Pacific. With no radio contact and the aircraft failing to respond to repeated ATC calls, the case raises the possibility of a medical event or incapacitation. The plane was never recovered.

A medical charter King Air crash in London, UK, is briefly discussed. The aircraft appeared to roll left and crash immediately after takeoff. Rob stresses the importance of immediate rudder input and pitch control following engine failure in twins.

A major focus of the episode is the preliminary report on Air India Flight 171, a Boeing 787 that lost both engines seconds after rotation. Both fuel cutoff switches moved from RUN to CUTOFF, then briefly back. One pilot is heard asking, “Why did you cut the fuel?” The other responds, “I didn’t do anything.” Rob and Max explore the implications of this odd event, especially in light of a 2018 FAA bulletin about fuel control switch locking mechanisms. Despite the non-mandatory nature of the bulletin, it directly referenced the potential for disengagement of the locking feature. Rob explains how the switches require a deliberate lift-and-pull action to move into CUTOFF, making accidental movement unlikely. Suicide and sabotage are also deemed improbable.

The discussion turns back to U.S. reports, including a crash in Montana where a Cessna 172 flew low and hit unmarked power lines. Max reiterates how hard it is to see wires until it's too late. Rob reflects on his own youthful low-level flying and how little awareness he had of such hazards at the time.

They then discuss a helicopter crash in Alaska. A Robinson R66 pilot operating in flat, snow-covered terrain under a 500-foot overcast likely experienced whiteout conditions and lost situational awareness. Max explains how disorientation is common in visually featureless environments—recounting his own night flight in hazy conditions where city lights and stars blurred together.

They also dissect a De Havilland Twin Otter crash in Tennessee during a skydiving flight. A left engine power loss forced a turnback attempt. The aircraft crashed into trees short of the runway, severely damaging the left wing and engine. Six people were seriously injured, though none killed. Rob questions the decision to add flaps during the emergency and notes the pilot’s inability to confirm if he secured the failed engine.

Finally, the hosts cover the NTSB final report of a 2023 Cessna 172 crash near San Rafael, CA. The pilot failed to apply carb heat during descent at night and suffered an engine failure. The aircraft struck a power line and terrain. Max references carb ice charts and highlights how even VFR conditions can require IFR-like vigilance, especially during nighttime descents.

The episode wraps with Rob pointing out a discrepancy between NTSB and FAA data on the aircraft’s engine model, and Max reminding pilots that modifying aircraft with STCs can create documentation mismatches.