Boeing airplane under scrutiny after Air India crash incident
Following the tragic Air India 171 crash, there has been significant scrutiny of Boeing's fuel intake control systems. The primary concern revolves around the fuel cutoff switches, which were found to have been transitioned to the "cutoff" position shortly after takeoff, leading to the tragic loss of lives.
### Current Status and Compliance
Air India has completed inspections of its Boeing 787 fuel control switches in response to a directive from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), reporting no issues. The crash investigation found no pre-existing defects in the aircraft's engines or fuel control switches.
### FAA Directives
In December 2018, the FAA issued a non-mandatory Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin (SAIB NM-18-33), warning of potential disengagement risks of the fuel control switch locking system. However, it did not classify it as an unsafe condition. A mandatory directive was issued in 2022 addressing engine fire control panels and switches, which might be relevant to the ongoing investigation.
### Ongoing Investigation and Future Actions
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is reviewing additional evidence, and no immediate safety directives have been issued for Boeing 787 operators. The investigation continues, with ongoing discussions about the role of the fuel switches and potential system failures during the crash.
The focus of the probe is moving onto Boeing's fuel intake controls, and aviation expert Sanjay Lazar pointed to these FAA directives as possibly relating to the issue. The investigation's findings and any subsequent actions are expected to have a significant impact on Boeing's reputation, which has been struggling to recover from two fatal crashes in 2018 and 2019, both involving 737 Max jets.
The ongoing investigation into the Air India 171 crash is expanding to include Boeing's fuel intake controls, as aviation expert Sanjay Lazar believes certain FAA directives may be relevant. The focus is on the fuel control switches, with concerns echoing in various sectors of the international industry, including media and news outlets in Europe.
The FAA issued a non-mandatory SAIB NM-18-33 in December 2018, highlighting potential risks of disengagement with the fuel control switch locking system. Additionally, a mandatory directive regarding engine fire control panels and switches was issued in 2022.
With the scrutiny of Boeing's fuel intake control systems, the company's reputation, already strained due to two fatal crashes involving 737 Max jets in 2018 and 2019, is anticipated to face further challenges. Financial implications for the company and the broader aviation industry are also under consideration.
Transportation departments worldwide are keeping a close eye on the investigation, as its findings and future actions could have far-reaching effects on fuel control systems and safety procedures not only in aviation, but potentially in broader sectors such as transportation infrastructure.
