Air India Inspects Boeing 787 After Pilot's Safety Alert
After a pilot from Air India raised concerns about a possible defect in an engine fuel control switch on one of the airline’s Boeing 787 aircraft, the company promptly initiated a precautionary inspection across its fleet. This decision reflects a commitment to passenger safety, especially after a previous crash that involved similar issues. The airline has a total of 33 Boeing 787 jets in its operations.
The alarm was raised when a pilot reported that one of the two fuel control switches on the Boeing 787 was slipping from the RUN position to CUTOFF if pressed down slightly, failing to lock properly. Following this report, the aircraft, which had just completed a London-Bengaluru flight, was grounded for safety checks.
The fuel control switches are crucial components that manage fuel flow to the engines. Their malfunction could lead to severe consequences, as highlighted by the tragic crash of an Air India Boeing 787 in Ahmedabad last June. Investigations revealed that both engines were starved of fuel after the switches unknowingly transitioned to the CUTOFF position shortly after takeoff.
In light of this, Air India’s Senior Vice President for Flight Operations, Manish Uppal, communicated to the pilots that the issue has been escalated to Boeing for priority evaluation. Meanwhile, the airline's engineers have commenced a fleet-wide re-inspection of the fuel control switch latch to ensure normal operations. No adverse findings have been reported thus far.
Air India reassured that safety is its utmost priority, grounding the affected aircraft and involving the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) for a thorough examination. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has also been informed about the situation. In the past, the FAA had issued advisories about potential disengagement of switch locking mechanisms, underscoring the importance of routine inspections.
As the investigation into the earlier crash continues, speculation remains about whether the switches were inadvertently moved by the pilots or if a technical fault caused the transition. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is meticulously examining all angles, with a comprehensive report expected in the coming months.
Through these developments, Air India is demonstrating a proactive approach to aviation safety. By prioritizing thorough inspections and encouraging pilots to report any operational anomalies, the airline is taking significant steps to ensure that the safety of passengers and crew remains uncompromised.
