In the wake of a tragic Air India crash last month, the airline confirms that inspections of Boeing aircraft revealed no issues with fuel switch locking mechanisms. Investigations continue into the details surrounding the disaster.
Air India Inspects Boeing Fleet After Fatal Crash; No Issues Found
Air India Inspects Boeing Fleet After Fatal Crash; No Issues Found
Air India concludes inspections of its Boeing fleet, assuring no faults in fuel switch mechanisms following a catastrophic crash that killed 260.
Air India announced on Tuesday that it has completed inspections of its Boeing fleet, revealing no problems with the locking mechanisms of the fuel switches. This announcement follows a recent deadly crash that claimed the lives of 260 individuals, including 19 victims on the ground, after an Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner tragically went down moments after takeoff from Ahmedabad last month.
Initiated by India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau, the ongoing investigation has raised concerns over the fuel switches, which regulate engine fuel supply. Preliminary findings indicated that the switches had shifted positions shortly before the crash. Safety experts suggest that such movement likely required human involvement, even though the switches are equipped with locking mechanisms designed to prevent unintended changes.
In response to the crash, Indian aviation regulators mandated inspections of all fuel switches on Boeing aircraft operating in the country. According to Air India’s statement, inspections yielded no detected issues with these mechanisms, and the airline expressed that they had conducted precautionary checks diligently.
The crash, which occurred on June 12, involved Air India Flight 171, where both engines' fuel control switches transitioned from the “RUN” to the “CUTOFF” position sequentially, leading to a critical fuel supply disruption and resultant descent. One pilot's voice was recorded questioning the switch's movement, with the response indicating that no deliberate action had taken place. Despite attempts to restore fuel supply shortly after, the aircraft descended fatally without regaining sufficient power.
Mujib Mashal contributed reporting from New Delhi. Jenny Gross serves as a reporter for The Times, focusing on breaking news and various topics.
