Air India Finishes Fuel Adjustment Switch Verifications across Entire Aircraft Fleet due to Fatal Accident Triggering Safety Investigation
## Recent Findings and Ongoing Investigations: Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner Crash
In the wake of the tragic crash of Air India Flight 171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, on June 12, 2025, the aviation industry is undergoing a period of heightened scrutiny and safety checks. The flight, which was en route from Ahmedabad, India, to London Gatwick, resulted in the deaths of 242 people on board and 19 on the ground.
The focus of the investigation has centered around the fuel control switches, which were reported to have shifted and flipped within seconds, causing both engines to shut down. This unexpected movement of the switches is a key area of inquiry.
Following the crash, India's aviation regulator mandated that airlines inspect fuel control switches on certain Boeing aircraft. Air India, in a proactive move, initiated the checks on its fleet two days before the directive, on July 10. The checks were carried out on both the Boeing 787 and 737 fleets, with no issues reported with the locking mechanisms of these switches.
Despite finding no issues, Air India has faced increased scrutiny and safety checks, leading to some disruptions in service. The airline, however, has reaffirmed its commitment to safety, stating, "We continue to be committed to the safety of our passengers and crew."
The investigators discovered the Fuel Control Switch in the 'cutoff' position, raising issues about system integrity, pilot behavior, or potential mechanical failure. A definitive report on the Air India crash is due in a year.
The Fuel Control Switch is a safety cockpit component responsible for controlling fuel flow into the engines. It is used during engine start, shutdown, and emergencies. The locking system of the Fuel Control Switch is designed to prevent accidental switching. A failure of the Fuel Control Switch locking system could be disastrous.
The quick response of Air India to the DGCA advisory and the voluntary checks indicate a wider industry effort to improve safety measures. The checks were in response to a directive issued by India's aviation regulator following the crash. The outcome of the inspections has been officially filed with the DGCA.
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has published preliminary findings attributing a shutdown of fuel supply to both engines shortly after lift-off. The investigation is ongoing, and further findings are expected to shed light on the cause of the tragic incident.
[1] [The Hindu: Air India crash: Fuel control switches under scrutiny](https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/air-india-crash-fuel-control-switches-under-scrutiny/article65547531.ece)
[2] [NDTV: Air India checks Boeing 737, 787 fleets after DGCA advisory](https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/air-india-carries-out-checks-on-boeing-737-787-fleets-after-dgca-advisory-3117039)
- The aviation industry, especially companies that operate Boeing aircraft like Air India, are now closely examining their fuel control switches due to the recent focus on safety following the Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crash.
- Amidst ongoing investigations into the Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crash, the finance sector and transportation industry are closely monitoring the developments, as potential future liabilities may arise from the tragedy in terms of compensation and insurance costs.
