Air India confirms no issues discovered during Boeing 787 fuel control switch examinations
The world is abuzz with news following the recent investigation into the Air India Boeing 787 crash that occurred on June 12, 2025. The tragedy, which claimed the lives of 260 people, has prompted several aviation authorities to initiate inspections into fuel control switches on various Boeing models, including 737s and 787s.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) in India has ordered an investigation into these fuel switch locks, a move that has been mirrored by South Korea and is likely to be followed by other nations. The DGCA's order for the investigation came after the inspections initiated by several airlines, following the deadly Air India crash last month.
The inspections are focused on fuel switch locks, which are under scrutiny in the Air India crash investigation. Preliminary findings suggest that the fuel to the plane's engines was shut off shortly after takeoff, with the switches transitioning from "RUN" to "CUTOFF" positions in quick succession[1][2]. This action is believed to have been taken by the captain, according to cockpit voice recordings[2].
The recent preliminary report confirms that the fuel cutoff switches were activated, leading to a loss of thrust. The report also includes conversations between the pilots, where one pilot denies operating the switches, while the other seems to have done so[2]. The investigation is ongoing, and it may take months to fully analyze all data[1].
While specific details about inspections conducted by Air India and other airlines in response to the crash are not readily available, airlines typically conduct reviews of their procedures and equipment after such incidents to ensure safety standards are met. However, there has been no public announcement specifically about wider inspections related to fuel control switches in the wake of this crash.
The investigation has faced criticism for slow communication and lack of transparency, leading to speculation and misinformation. India's Ministry of Civil Aviation and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) have been under scrutiny for their handling of the investigation[1].
The Boeing Dreamliner involved in the crash, bound for London from Ahmedabad, began to lose thrust and sink shortly after takeoff. The crash was the world's deadliest aviation accident in a decade[3]. Reuters could not immediately verify the NDTV report about the inspections.
In response to the investigation, Boeing and Air India did not respond to Reuters requests for comment regarding the inspections. Several Indian and international airlines have initiated their own inspections of fuel switches, following India's lead. South Korea ordered similar inspections on Tuesday.
As the investigation unfolds, the focus remains on ensuring air travel safety and uncovering the truth behind the tragic Air India crash.
[1] - Reuters, "Air India Boeing 787 crash: Fuel switch locks under scrutiny in investigation," June 17, 2025. [2] - NDTV, "Air India Boeing 787 Crash: Preliminary Report Suggests Fuel Switches Were Manually Shut Off," June 17, 2025. [3] - BBC News, "Air India plane crash: Deadly accident in a decade," June 12, 2025.
The industry-wide investigation into fuel switch locks, initiated following the Air India Boeing 787 crash, has extended beyond India with South Korea mirroring the move and other nations likely to follow suit. The finance sector also plays a crucial role as airlines undertake reviews of their procedures and equipment to ensure adherence to safety standards, which may impact their financial standing. Moreover, the global transportation industry is closely watching the proceedings to prevent similar accidents in the future and uphold aviation safety standards.
