Air India Confirms No Fault in Fuel Control Switch of B787 Aircraft: Official

Rapid Summary

• Air India completed inspections of the locking mechanism for Fuel Control Switches (FCS) in its boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft; no issues were identified, according to an airline official.
• Inspections were prompted by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation’s (DGCA) directive following an Aircraft Accident Inquiry Bureau (AAIB) report on an Air India crash that killed 260 people last month.
• The AAIB preliminary report revealed fuel supply to both engines was cut off within one second due to FCS movement from “run” to “cutoff,” causing confusion in the cockpit and leading to loss of altitude.
• Cockpit voice recordings indicate miscommunication between pilots about why fuel control switches were turned off during takeoff; neither pilot admitted doing so.
• Air India’s fleet has already undergone Throttle Control Module replacements as per Boeing maintenance schedules, which include FCS mechanisms.
• Pilots have been instructed by Air India to remain vigilant and promptly report any technical defects.

Read more: Air India completes inspection of Boeing 787 jets

Indian Opinion Analysis

The completion of inspections without identifying mechanical issues is a reassuring affirmation for passenger safety aboard Air India’s fleet.Though, the findings outlined in AAIB’s preliminary investigation point toward potential operational gaps or human error more than mechanical failings. miscommunication between pilots over vital controls highlights the importance of robust training programs and procedural clarity under emergency scenarios. With DGCA actively monitoring compliance after this tragic incident, India’s aviation sector may face heightened scrutiny regarding critical equipment functionality and flight crew coordination.

This incident underscores broader implications for Indian aviation safety standards. Vigilance in adopting global best practices while remaining proactive on preventive measures can strengthen public trust domestically and internationally as travel grows post-pandemic recovery efforts.