Air India Completes Fuel Control Switch Checks Across Fleet After Deadly Crash Sparks Safety Probe

Air India Wraps Up Fuel Control Switch Safety Inspections on Boeing 787 and 737 Aircraft Following Tragic June Crash

Air India has completed precautionary checks on the Fuel Control Switch (FCS) locking mechanisms on its Boeing 787 and Boeing 737 fleets. The checks come in response to a directive issued by India’s aviation regulator following the June 12 crash that killed 260 people. A significant step has been taken towards rebuilding public trust following one of India’s worst aviation accidents.

Prompt Compliance with DGCA Directive

Air India confirmed on Tuesday that it had undertaken the mandatory safety inspections on the FCS locking mechanism of all Boeing 787 Dreamliners and Boeing 737 airplanes. The DGCA had directed the inspections on July 14 after initial findings in the investigation of the Ahmedabad crash.

The airline announced that it had voluntarily initiated checks on July 12, two days before the mandatory directive, and had finished the procedure within the timeline of the regulator. “Nothing was detected with the said locking system,” the airline spokesperson assured. The outcome has been officially filed with the DGCA.

Crash Triggers Industry-Wide Review

The safety checks follow a catastrophic accident on June 12, when an Air India Boeing 787-8 taking off from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick plowed into a hostel building moments after departure. The crash resulted in the deaths of 241 of the 242 passengers on board and 19 people on the ground.

One month later, the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) published preliminary findings, attributing a shutdown of fuel supply to both engines shortly after lift-off. The investigators discovered the FCS in the ‘cutoff’ position, seriously raising issues about system integrity, pilot behavior, or potential mechanical failure.

Focus on Fuel Control Systems

The Fuel Control Switch is a safety cockpit component responsible for controlling fuel flow into the engines. It is employed during engine start and shutdown processes on the ground as well as in mid-air during emergencies. The locking system is to prevent accidental switching, a failure of which could prove disastrous.

After the crash, DGCA mandated urgent inspections of all concerned aircraft flying in Indian skies. Air India and its budget airline, Air India Express (flying Boeing 737s), quickly started the checks.

Commitment to Passenger Safety

Reaffirming its commitment to safety, Air India stated, “We continue to be committed to the safety of our passengers and crew.” The quick response of the airline to the DGCA advisory and the voluntary checks indicates a wider industry effort to improve safety measures and win back public confidence.

A definitive report on the crash is due in a year.