Air India Inspects Boeing 787 Fuel Control Switch Locks, Finds No Issues

Air India has completed precautionary inspections of its Boeing 787 aircraft's fuel control switch locking system with no issues found. The airline had already replaced throttle control modules on all its 787 planes as per Boeing's maintenance schedule. The inspections were ordered by India's DGCA after a preliminary probe into the AI171 crash found that both fuel control switches on the aircraft transitioned from RUN to CUTOFF just seconds after take-off, leading to a dual engine failure.

Air India has completed precautionary inspections of its Boeing 787 aircraft's fuel control switch locking system, with no issues found. The airline had already replaced throttle control modules on all its 787 planes as per Boeing's maintenance schedule. The inspections were ordered by India's Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) following a preliminary probe into the AI171 crash, which found that both fuel control switches on the aircraft transitioned from RUN to CUTOFF just seconds after take-off, leading to a dual engine failure [1].

The DGCA directed all airlines operating Boeing 737 and 787 aircraft to inspect the locking mechanism of fuel control switches and submit their findings by July 21. Air India's Engineering team initiated the inspections over the weekend and reported that no issues were found. The airline also advised pilots to remain vigilant and report any defects in the Technical Log [1].

The fuel control switch, located on the aircraft's center console, controls the fuel supply to the engines. Its locking mechanism is designed to prevent accidental movement from the "RUN" to "CUTOFF" position. A disengagement of this lock could result in inadvertent engine shutdown. The FAA advisory in 2018 (SAIB NM-18-33) warned that the switch could be installed in ways that disable the lock, potentially leading to "unintentional fuel shutoff" [2].

In recent days, regulators and airlines have taken fresh interest in the switch's design and reliability, prompting precautionary inspections worldwide. The FAA advisory had highlighted the potential for "unintentional fuel shutoff" if the locking mechanism was not engaged. However, the preliminary report of the AI171 crash did not explain the reasons for the switch movement [1].

Air India has 57 Boeing jets in its fleet, and the inspections were completed as part of the airline's ongoing safety measures. The airline has been proactive in addressing potential safety concerns, ensuring that its fleet remains compliant with all regulatory requirements [1].

References:
[1] https://www.business-standard.com/industry/news/air-india-completes-boeing-787-fuel-switch-checks-no-issues-found-125071601617_1.html
[2] https://www.seattletimes.com/business/boeing-aerospace/787-switches-at-center-of-air-india-crash-probe-were-scrutinized-before/