Ahmedabad crash probe: Airlines ordered to inspect fuel control switches on all Boeing aircraft

New Delhi: Alarmed by findings that both engines of the crashed Air India Dreamliner in Ahmedabad shut down seconds after take-off due to fuel cutoff, India’s aviation regulator has ordered airlines to urgently inspect fuel control switches on all Boeing aircraft in their fleets.

Engine fuel switches went from ‘Run’ to ‘Cutoff’ after take-off

The directive from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) comes after the Air Accidents Investigation Bureau’s preliminary report revealed that the engine fuel switches moved from ‘Run’ to ‘Cutoff’ just three seconds after take-off, cutting off fuel supply and leading to the crash that killed 260 people in Ahmedabad last month.

Pilot conversation revealed in cockpit recording

Cockpit recordings captured one pilot asking the other, “Why did you cut off?” to which his colleague replied, “I didn’t,” raising suspicions of a mechanical fault.

FAA warned about issue in 2018

The investigation report also highlighted a 2018 FAA bulletin that warned of potential malfunctions in fuel control switches manufactured by Honeywell for Boeing models, including 737s and Dreamliners. The bulletin recommended inspections of the locking mechanism to prevent accidental movement, but Air India did not carry out these checks as they were not mandatory.

Airlines begin precautionary inspections

Post-crash, airlines such as Emirates have begun their own checks of the fuel switch locking mechanisms across Boeing fleets to enhance safety.

FAA maintains switch design is safe

Despite these concerns, the US Federal Aviation Administration has assured global regulators that the switch design remains safe and that no airworthiness directive is necessary for Boeing operators at this time.