UK aviation watchdog seeks details from Air India on B787 fuel control switch issue

UK Regulator Probes Air India Over Boeing 787 Safety Lapse

The UK's Civil Aviation Authority has launched an inquiry into Air India following an incident involving a Boeing 787 Dreamliner that took off from London despite a potential malfunction in its fuel control switch. The problem came to light when pilots noticed the switch failing to latch properly in the 'RUN' position during an engine start attempt at London's Heathrow Airport. Although a second try succeeded and the flight proceeded to Bengaluru, the episode has raised serious questions about aircraft maintenance and release procedures.

In a formal letter to the airline, the CAA requested a detailed account of all maintenance work performed on the aircraft before it was cleared for departure. They also demanded a comprehensive root-cause analysis and a preventive action plan to avoid similar issues across Air India's entire Boeing 787 fleet. Air India has been given just one week to provide a full response, with the regulator warning of potential actions against the carrier and its Dreamliner operations if requirements are not met. This move underscores the watchdog's commitment to rigorous safety standards in international aviation.

Air India Responds with Fleet-Wide Checks and Assurances

Air India acted swiftly by conducting precautionary re-inspections on the fuel control switches of all its operational Boeing 787 aircraft. The airline reported no issues were found during these thorough checks, which were initiated out of an abundance of caution after the pilot's observation. Upon landing in Bengaluru, the aircraft was grounded for further examination, where both left and right switches were tested and deemed satisfactory by India's Directorate General of Civil Aviation.

"The inspections were undertaken in an abundance of caution following an observation reported by one of our pilots. We acknowledge the regulator’s proactive oversight in conducting independent inspections and subsequently clearing the FCS. Air India will fully adhere to the regulator’s guidance to circulate OEM-recommended operating procedures for the operation of the Fuel Control Switch to all crew members. The safety of our passengers and crew remains Air India’s highest priority." - Air India spokesperson

The carrier emphasized its dedication to safety, pledging to distribute manufacturer-recommended procedures to all flight crew. Air India operates the Boeing 787 on key long-haul routes, including to the UK, making fleet reliability a top concern for passengers traveling between India and Europe. The airline plans to cooperate fully with the UK CAA, viewing the request as a standard safety assurance step.

Broader Implications Amid Recent Aviation Scrutiny

This incident unfolds against a backdrop of heightened attention to Air India's Boeing 787 operations, particularly following the tragic crash of flight AI171 in Ahmedabad that claimed 260 lives several months ago. In that disaster, the role of fuel switches was also scrutinized, amplifying concerns about recurring technical vulnerabilities. While India's aviation ministry confirmed the switches worked fine in the recent case, safety advocates remain vigilant.

An NGO called the Safety Matters Foundation lodged a complaint with India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau, arguing that quick clearances might undermine thorough investigations and public trust in aviation oversight. They stressed the importance of independent probes to identify true causes and prevent future risks. The foundation warned that perceived rushed conclusions could erode confidence in regulatory bodies tasked with ensuring air travel safety. Meanwhile, Boeing has reportedly cleared the component in question, adding another layer to the ongoing dialogue between airlines, manufacturers, and regulators.

The fuel control switch is a critical component that manages engine fuel flow, and any glitch could have grave consequences during takeoff or flight. Regulators on both sides of the Atlantic are now watching closely to ensure Air India's preventive measures are robust. Passengers can take some reassurance from the proactive inspections, but the episode highlights the ever-present need for vigilance in an industry where safety is paramount. Airlines worldwide face similar pressures to balance operational demands with uncompromised standards.

In summary, the UK CAA's demand for details from Air India over the Boeing 787 fuel control switch issue reflects standard safety protocols amid a pilot-reported anomaly that led to successful fleet checks and regulatory clearances. Air India's quick response and commitments aim to restore confidence, though broader scrutiny persists in light of past events.