Grounded 787’s fuel control switch lock satisfactory: Govt

Air India Grounds Boeing 787 After Pilot Reports Switch Issue

Air India took swift action by grounding a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner after a pilot noted unusual behavior with the left engine's fuel control switch. The incident happened during engine startup for Flight AI132 from London Heathrow to Bengaluru on February 1. The pilot logged that the switch slipped from the "run" position toward "cutoff" when pushed down slightly and failed to lock properly on two attempts. Despite this, the aircraft completed the flight safely, arriving ahead of schedule, before being pulled from service upon landing in Bengaluru.

The airline immediately notified Boeing, the original equipment manufacturer, and India's Directorate General of Civil Aviation. In a statement, Air India emphasized its commitment to safety, saying they grounded the plane as a precaution while experts investigate. This nine-year-old aircraft, registered VT-ANX, had been delivered to the carrier in 2017. The move underscores the airline's proactive stance amid heightened scrutiny on Boeing models following past events.

Government Deems Switch Lock Satisfactory Amid Ongoing Probes

India's aviation regulator has now assessed the fuel control switch lock on the grounded 787 and found it satisfactory, providing some reassurance to passengers and industry watchers. This conclusion came after initial checks, though deeper investigations continue involving Boeing and safety experts. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation confirmed it is probing the circumstances, ensuring no risks remain unaddressed. Aviation safety advocates, like the Safety Matters Foundation, had called for the highest level of scrutiny, citing the switch's critical role in engine operation.

The foundation highlighted that while the issue occurred on the ground, such malfunctions could potentially lead to unintended engine shutdowns in flight under certain conditions. They stressed the need for thorough examination without implying direct links to prior incidents. Boeing has stated it is supporting Air India's review, working closely to resolve any concerns promptly. This government nod on the switch's condition helps calm immediate fears, but full reports are awaited.

Echoes of Past Crash Heighten Concerns Over Fuel Switch Reliability

We are aware that one of our pilots has reported a possible defect on the fuel control switch of a Boeing 787-8 aircraft. After receiving this initial information, we have grounded the said aircraft and are involving the original equipment manufacturer to get the pilot’s concerns checked on a priority basis.

This episode revives memories of the tragic Air India Flight AI171 crash in June 2025, where a Boeing 787 plummeted shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad, claiming 260 lives. Investigators found the fuel control switches had moved to cutoff moments after departure, cutting engine power despite pilots' efforts to correct it. Cockpit recordings captured confusion over the switches' movement. In response, Air India inspected its entire 787 fleet under DGCA directives and reported no widespread issues at the time.

Earlier FAA warnings from 2018 had flagged potential malfunctions in similar switches on Boeing 787s, urging inspections to prevent unintended shutdowns. Public reaction has been vocal, with many questioning Boeing's reliability and calling for accountability. Some travelers express distrust, debating flight decisions post-initial detections and even mulling switches to competitors like Airbus. Yet, experts note these switches have built-in safety features making accidental activation rare, as detailed in pilot breakdowns of their mechanics.

Air India's fleet-wide checks post-crash and the current grounding reflect a layered safety approach. Regulators and manufacturers continue monitoring, with no flights resuming until clearances. This incident spotlights ongoing efforts to refine aircraft systems, balancing innovation with unyielding safety standards. Passengers can take solace in the rapid response and regulatory oversight ensuring air travel remains among the safest modes.

In summary, while the grounded 787's fuel switch lock passed government checks, the event underscores vigilance in aviation safety, linking back to rigorous post-crash measures and proactive grounding by Air India. Probes proceed to affirm long-term reliability.