Directorate General of Civil Aviation has ordered Boeing to test a Boeing 787 Dreamliner fuel control switch in Seattle after an Air India pilot reported a suspected defect during Flight AI132 from London to Bengaluru in February 2026.
According to reports, the fuel control switch reportedly moved from “RUN” to “CUTOFF” position twice before operating correctly on the third attempt. Despite the issue, the aircraft completed the flight safely and landed in Bengaluru without any emergency.
After landing, the Dreamliner was grounded for inspections by Air India engineers and DGCA officials. Initial findings reportedly stated the switches were functioning satisfactorily, although investigators noted that external pressure could potentially move the switch incorrectly under certain conditions.
The case has gained major attention because fuel control switches were also linked to the deadly Air India Flight 171 crash in Ahmedabad in June 2025, which killed 270 people. Preliminary findings from Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau revealed both engine fuel switches moved from “RUN” to “CUTOFF” within one second during takeoff.
Cockpit voice recordings reportedly captured one pilot questioning the other about the fuel cutoff, while the second pilot denied making the switch movement. Due to the sensitive nature of the investigation, DGCA has now instructed Boeing to carry out detailed testing in the presence of Indian officials.
India’s final AAIB investigation report into the Ahmedabad crash is expected to be released next month.