Whalesbook
Fuel Switch Sent for US Inspection
India's Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has ordered a fuel control switch from an Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner to be sent to its original equipment manufacturer (OEM) in the United States for inspection. The directive was issued after a pilot reported on a February 2 flight that the switch might move from its 'RUN' to 'CUTOFF' position without properly locking.
Boeing Declares Switch Serviceable
Air India tested the aircraft and its fleet of 787s, following guidance from Boeing. The OEM reviewed the test results and concluded that the fuel control switch was operating as designed. However, the DGCA decided to proceed with an independent inspection in the U.S. to ensure the critical component's continued airworthiness. This action reflects the aerospace industry's ongoing focus on maintaining the integrity of aircraft systems, particularly for wide-body planes like the 787 Dreamliner.
Wider Safety Concerns and Crash Probe
This component inspection occurs as India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) prepares to issue its final report on a fatal Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crash on June 12, 2025, which resulted in 260 deaths. A preliminary AAIB report suggested fuel supply might have been interrupted before the accident, leaving possibilities of pilot error or system failure. The Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP) has proposed that an electrical issue, not pilot actions, could have been the cause. The timing of the new component inspection increases attention on the safety record of the Boeing 787 fleet in India.