In a reassuring development following the tragic crash of Flight AI 171 on June 12, Air India has completed thorough inspections of its Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet’s fuel control switch (FCS) locking mechanisms and found no faults, according to a senior airline official citing NDTV and confirmed by the airline .
✅ Inspection Details
- All 33 Boeing 787‑8 aircraft underwent examinations focusing on the locking function of their fuel control switches. Inspectors reported no issues detected, and all systems passed muster .
- As part of its standard maintenance routines, Air India confirmed that each aircraft‘s Throttle Control Module (TCM)—which integrates the FCS—was replaced according to Boeing’s recommended schedule, ensuring fresh components across the fleet .
🔍 Regulatory Context
- The inspections were prompted by a DGCA directive issued after AAIB’s preliminary crash report indicated that during takeoff, both fuel control switches moved to the “CUTOFF” position within seconds—cutting off engine fuel supply
- Similar inspections have been mandated by aviation regulators in South Korea, Singapore, the EU, and other jurisdictions, prompted by the same safety concern .
🛡️ Safety Assurance & Continuing Vigilance
- Despite finding no mechanical flaws, Air India has urged pilots to remain vigilant, promptly logging and reporting any signs of fuel system anomalies via the airline’s technical log process .
- This emphasis on human oversight, even amid clean technical reports, reflects a proactive approach to aviation safety—especially in the aftermath of a catastrophic incident.
🌐 Industry and Technical Perspective
- The U.S. FAA and Boeing have previously stated that these fuel switch mechanisms meet safety standards and do not currently warrant a mandatory design directive
- Usage of FCS is strictly controlled, with spring-loaded locks and protective guards designed to prevent accidental activation. Experts maintain that a pilot would have to intentionally override the switch to move it
🧭 What Comes Next
- The final AAIB accident report is expected within 12 months and may propose further measures—whether operational, procedural, or regulatory—to prevent recurrence.
- In the meantime, airlines globally continue to inspect Boeing FCS systems on similar aircraft, keeping a vigilant watch on both hardware integrity and crew protocols.