Air India Launches Precautionary Inspection of Boeing 787 Fuel Control Switches
Following a pilot's report of a potential defect, Air India has commenced a fleet-wide precautionary inspection of fuel control switches on its Boeing 787 aircraft. The Tata Group-owned airline confirmed the action, emphasizing it was taken "out of abundance of caution" to ensure operational safety.
Pilot's Report Triggers Immediate Action
On Monday, an Air India pilot operating a London-Bengaluru flight reported an issue with one of the two fuel control switches on a Boeing 787 (registration: VT-ANX). The pilot noted that the switch was slipping from the RUN to CUTOFF position when slightly pressed and failing to lock properly. Upon landing in India, the aircraft was immediately grounded for further evaluation.
The airline has not disclosed specific details about the likely defect, but sources indicate the matter has been escalated to Boeing for priority assessment. Air India's Senior Vice President for Flight Operations, Manish Uppal, communicated to Boeing 787 pilots that engineers have begun inspections while awaiting Boeing's response.
Connection to Previous Tragedy
This development comes against the backdrop of the fatal crash of an Air India Boeing 787 in Ahmedabad in June last year. The preliminary investigation into that accident highlighted that both engines were starved after the fuel control switches transitioned from RUN to CUTOFF position within seconds of each other during takeoff.
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau's (AAIB) report mentioned that cockpit voice recordings captured one pilot questioning why the fuel was cut off, with the other denying responsibility. This has led to ongoing speculation about whether the switch movement was due to pilot action, technical malfunction, or software issues.
Regulatory and Manufacturer Involvement
Air India has informed the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) about the recent pilot report. The airline spokesperson stated, "We are aware that one of our pilots has reported a possible defect... After receiving this initial information, we have grounded the aircraft and are involving the OEM to get the pilot's concerns checked on a priority basis."
Boeing, the aircraft manufacturer, confirmed it is in contact with Air India and supporting the review. The fuel control switches are manufactured by Honeywell.
Historical Context and Safety Advisories
In 2018, the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued an advisory bulletin regarding potential disengagement of the switch locking mechanism on certain Boeing aircraft, including the 787. However, since the bulletin was not mandatory, several airlines, including Air India, did not conduct inspections at that time.
Following the Ahmedabad crash, the DGCA mandated fuel control switch inspections on nearly all Boeing aircraft in India. Air India had previously inspected its fleet under this directive and reported no issues.
Current Inspection Status and Safety Assurance
Air India currently operates 33 Boeing 787 wide-body jets. The precautionary inspection focuses on verifying the normal operation of the Fuel Control Switch (FCS) latch across the entire fleet. According to Uppal's communication, no adverse findings have been reported so far on aircraft that have undergone re-inspection.
The airline has reminded pilots to promptly report any observed defects and ensure all required checks are completed before accepting an aircraft for flight operations. Air India reiterated that passenger and crew safety remains its top priority.
Ongoing Investigation and Future Steps
The investigation into the Ahmedabad crash continues, with the final report expected in the coming months. The AAIB is examining all possible angles, including technical, mechanical, and human factors.
Aviation safety advocacy group Safety Matters Foundation noted that the reported switch malfunction could lead to inadvertent engine shutdown under specific conditions, underscoring the critical nature of these components.
As Air India proceeds with its inspections, the aviation community watches closely, given the historical significance and potential safety implications of fuel control switch performance.
