In light of the recent Air India crash involving a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, which claimed 260 lives, India’s aviation regulator has ordered airlines to inspect the fuel control switches. The directive from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) comes amidst international discussions about the safety of these switches, triggered by a preliminary report indicating that the fuel supply was inadvertently cut off shortly after takeoff. This incident marks one of the most severe aviation disasters in recent history, prompting immediate action from both Indian and global aviation authorities.
India Mandates Inspection of Fuel Control Switches in Boeing Jets Following Air India Crash
India Mandates Inspection of Fuel Control Switches in Boeing Jets Following Air India Crash
India's aviation authorities respond to a tragic incident by enforcing crucial inspections on Boeing aircraft to ensure safety compliance.
The DGCA has given airlines until July 21 to conduct the necessary inspections, emphasizing adherence to the timeline to maintain airworthiness and operational safety. These checks align with a 2018 advisory from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which suggested, but did not mandate, that airlines inspect the locking mechanism of fuel cut-off switches to prevent accidental movement. The Air India crash investigation revealed that the switches controlling fuel flow to the engines had been inadvertently moved to the “cut-off” position, limiting thrust when the aircraft was ascending.
While the FAA deemed the fuel switches safe following the publication of the preliminary findings, it acknowledged concerns from operators who had not conducted inspections based on the non-mandatory nature of the 2018 advisory. The DGCA has now made inspections compulsory and expects airlines to document their findings. Various stakeholders—including independent pilot associations—have defended the flight crew, stating that they acted within their training parameters under difficult circumstances, despite the preliminary report suggesting possible operational errors.
Alongside India's regulatory actions, other countries are also contemplating similar inspections of Boeing models to preemptively address potential safety concerns. The aviation sector continues to monitor developments closely, as the investigation unfolds and additional data becomes available.
While the FAA deemed the fuel switches safe following the publication of the preliminary findings, it acknowledged concerns from operators who had not conducted inspections based on the non-mandatory nature of the 2018 advisory. The DGCA has now made inspections compulsory and expects airlines to document their findings. Various stakeholders—including independent pilot associations—have defended the flight crew, stating that they acted within their training parameters under difficult circumstances, despite the preliminary report suggesting possible operational errors.
Alongside India's regulatory actions, other countries are also contemplating similar inspections of Boeing models to preemptively address potential safety concerns. The aviation sector continues to monitor developments closely, as the investigation unfolds and additional data becomes available.
