Air India discovers no faults in Boeing 787 fuel switch review
Air India 787 Crash Investigation Updates
The recent crash of an Air India Boeing 787 near Ahmedabad Airport has spurred an intense review of the aircraft’s fuel control switches. An internal Air India communication confirmed that the locking mechanism on these switches showed no defects during a comprehensive inspection.
Following the tragic incident that claimed 260 lives, Indian investigators initially pointed to the accidental switch of the fuel control from the run position to cutoff shortly after takeoff. In response, India’s aviation regulator ordered airlines to examine the locking feature on several Boeing models, aligning with the FAA’s 2018 Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin that stressed the need for safeguards.
Air India’s Inspection Findings
- All Boeing 787 Fuel Control Switches were inspected and found to be functioning properly.
- Every Boeing 787‑8 aircraft received a Throttle Control Module (TCM) replacement according to the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule.
International Airline Checks
Singapore Airlines (SIA) and Scoot have also completed fuel switch inspections on their Boeing 787 fleets. A spokesperson for SIA reported that all fuel switches are functioning “properly” and remain compliant with regulatory requirements.
Key Accident Details
- Last month’s Boeing 787‑8 Dreamliner was traveling from Ahmedabad to London.
- All but one of the 242 on board were killed, and the crash also caused 19 casualties on the ground.
Air India CEO Statement
Air India CEO Campbell Wilson communicated that the investigation remains ongoing. He cautioned against drawing “premature conclusions” at this early stage.
