Investigation into the airplane crash in Ahmedabad leaves CEO of Air India questioning unanswered queries
The ongoing investigation into the Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner crash on June 12, 2025, is primarily focusing on the movement of the engine fuel control switches. The crash, which resulted in the tragic loss of 260 lives, has raised additional questions and is still under active investigation.
Analysis of the aircraft's integrated flight and voice data recorders has led investigators to narrow down the potential cause, but as of now, no mechanical or design faults with the Boeing 787 or its GE GEnx-1B engines have been identified. Post-accident data also ruled out fuel contamination or flap malfunction as contributing factors.
A key element under scrutiny is the fuel control switches’ locking mechanism, which was previously highlighted in a non-binding advisory by the U.S. FAA in 2018 concerning potential failures in locking mechanisms on fuel switches for Boeing 787 and 737 fleets. Some airlines had performed inspections following that advisory, but Air India had not. Recent orders have been issued globally for airlines to inspect these fuel switches as a precaution, although the FAA does not currently consider this issue an unsafe condition warranting an Airworthiness Directive for the 787.
The FAA and Boeing have both reiterated confidence in the safety and robustness of the 787, continuing to clear the aircraft to fly without mandated design changes. The full technical investigation is expected to take up to a year to complete, with a detailed final report yet to be released. The preliminary report from India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) was anticipated around July 11, but it is expected to contain limited information at this stage.
Safety measures include mandatory inspections of fuel control switches on Boeing 787 aircraft fleets, continued monitoring and investigation by AAIB, and international aviation bodies such as ICAO. The FAA and Boeing are also evaluating data and will act if new findings arise. Industry and pilot organizations advocate for a thorough, fair investigation to ensure any systemic risks are addressed without blaming crew prematurely.
In the meantime, Air India Group has started checking the locking mechanism on the fuel switches of its Boeing 787 and 737 fleets and has found no problems so far. Other airlines, such as Japan's JAL and South Korea's transport ministry, are also closely monitoring the investigation and will implement any necessary inspections based on its findings.
ALPA India, which represents Indian pilots, has called for a fair, fact-based inquiry and rejected any presumption of pilot error. Air India CEO Campbell Wilson emphasized in an internal memo that the investigation into the crash is ongoing and it is unwise to jump to premature conclusions.
The throttle control module, which includes the fuel switches, on the plane involved in the Air India crash was replaced in 2019 and 2023. The commanding pilot of the Air India plane was Sumeet Sabharwal, who had a total flying experience of 15,638 hours, and the co-pilot was Clive Kunder, who had 3,403 hours of total experience.
As the investigation continues, the aviation industry and public await the final report to shed light on the cause of the tragic accident and ensure measures are taken to prevent such incidents in the future.
[1] The Associated Press. (2025, July 1). Investigation into Air India plane crash focuses on fuel control switches. Retrieved from https://apnews.com/article/air-india-plane-crash-investigation-fuel-control-switches-81b0152fde2e31a6840c8531f6f5b7d0
[2] Reuters. (2025, July 1). Air India Boeing 787 crash: Fuel control switches under scrutiny. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/air-india-boeing-787-crash-fuel-control-switches-under-scrutiny-2025-07-01/
[3] BBC News. (2025, July 1). Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner crash: What we know so far. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-india-57784443
- The focus of the investigation into the Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner crash has been primarily on the fuel control switches, with no identified mechanical or design faults with the Boeing 787 or its engines so far.
- A key concern raised in the investigation is the fuel control switches’ locking mechanism, which has previously had potential failure issues pointed out in a 2018 U.S. FAA advisory, with some airlines performing inspections but not Air India.
- International aviation bodies like ICAO, along with the FAA and Boeing, are evaluating data from the investigation, and the industry and pilot organizations are advocating for a thorough and fair inquiry, emphasizing the need to address any systemic risks without prematurely blaming crew members.
- As mandatory inspections of the fuel control switches are performed on Boeing 787 aircraft fleets, public and industry attention remains on the final report, which aims to shed light on the tragic accident's cause to prevent future incidents.
