Air India Finds No Faults in Boeing 787 and 737 Fuel Control Switches

Air India has confirmed that all fuel control switch locking mechanisms on its Boeing 787 and 737 aircraft are functioning properly, following a round of precautionary inspections sparked by safety concerns.

The airline said the checks, which began voluntarily on July 12, revealed no faults or irregularities across its fleet. India’s aviation regulator later directed all domestic airlines to follow suit, triggering similar inspections by international carriers and regulators.

The inspections come as investigators continue to examine the deadly Air India crash that killed 241 of the 242 people onboard, along with 19 others on the ground. The focus of the probe has zeroed in on the fuel control switches of the Boeing 787 jetliner. These switches manage fuel flow to the engines and allow pilots to shut them off during ground operations or inflight emergencies.

A preliminary report released earlier this month by India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) noted the switches flipped from “run” to “cutoff” shortly after takeoff, leading to engine failure. The AAIB has stated, however, that it's too early to reach final conclusions.

Citing past documentation, the report referenced a 2018 FAA advisory that urged operators of multiple Boeing aircraft, including the 787, to inspect fuel switch locking mechanisms to avoid accidental movements.

Although Reuters reported that a cockpit recording suggested the captain may have cut fuel to the engines, the AAIB emphasized that the investigation is still ongoing and a final report is expected within a year.

Despite the broader probe, Air India maintains that its aircraft are safe. The airline uses Boeing 787s for its long-haul international routes and 737s through its low-cost subsidiary, Air India Express.

Meanwhile, both Boeing and the FAA have reassured operators that the fuel switch locks remain safe, according to internal communications cited by Reuters.

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