Air India Inspections Claim No Fault in Fuel Switches After Fatal Boeing 787 Crash

Air India announced that it found no problems with the locking mechanisms of fuel switches in its Boeing fleet after inspecting the aircraft following a preliminary crash investigation indicating potential human error.

In a recent statement, Air India revealed the results of its inspections on the fuel switches of its Boeing aircraft, affirming that the necessary safety mechanisms are functioning without fault. This announcement comes in the wake of a tragic incident that occurred last month, in which an Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad, India, resulting in the deaths of 260 individuals, including passengers on the plane and people on the ground.

The inspection was prompted by the preliminary findings from India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), which reported that the crash was preceded by the aircraft's fuel control switches shifting from the “RUN” position to “CUTOFF.” The timeframe of this shift occurred mere seconds apart before the aircraft began its fatal descent. Safety experts have questioned whether these switches could have been manipulated without human intervention, noting that they are equipped with locking mechanisms designed to prevent accidental disengagement.

In response to regulatory authorities' directives for airlines to conduct thorough reviews of their Boeing aircraft's fuel systems, Air India stated it had completed these inspections of the locking mechanisms on its entire fleet. The carrier confirmed that all mechanisms were functioning as intended without any noted deficiencies.

The investigation into the June 12 crash of Flight 171 is ongoing, with the official inquiry expected to take months or potentially years to conclude. Preliminary reports captured distressing audio exchanges between the pilots, with one questioning why the fuel had been cut off, to which the other replied that he had not initiated such a command. Despite efforts to restore fuel supply shortly after the cutoff, the aircraft was unable to regain necessary power, leading to its tragic descent.

The investigation continues to focus on the circumstances surrounding the flight's operation and the sequence of events leading to the crash. As authorities delve deeper, the need for stringent oversight and adherence to safety protocols within the aviation sector remains paramount to prevent further tragedies.