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Air India Inspects All 787 Fuel Switches After Pilot's Defect Report

Air India has completed inspections of fuel control switches across its entire Boeing 787 fleet following a pilot's report of a possible defect on one aircraft, which was subsequently grounded. The airline has engaged the aircraft manufacturer and informed the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) about the incident. The Federation of Indian Pilots has urged regulators to investigate potential electrical faults in the 787 model, citing this as the third known incident involving uncommanded switch movement. The DGCA clarified that a preliminary finding for one specific event pointed to an external force being applied incorrectly to the switch.

Key Points: Air India Completes Boeing 787 Fuel Switch Inspections

  • Inspection completed on all 787s
  • Aircraft grounded after pilot report
  • DGCA issued safety directive
  • FIP calls for wider investigation
2 min read

Air India completes inspection of fuel control switches on all Boeing 787 aircraft

Air India checks all Boeing 787 fuel control switches after a pilot's defect report, grounding one aircraft. DGCA and FIP involved in safety review.

"At Air India, the safety of our passengers and crew remains a top priority. - Air India Spokesperson"

New Delhi, February 5

Amid safety checks, Air India has completed inspections of fuel control switches on all its Boeing 787 aircraft, sources said on Wednesday, after a pilot flagged a possible defect, prompting the grounding of aircraft earlier this week.

Air India Boeing 787-8 aircraft was grounded after a pilot reported a possible defect in the fuel control switch on Monday.

An Air India spokesperson said that one of its pilots has reported a possible defect on the fuel control switch of a Boeing 787-8 aircraft, and the matter has been communicated to DGCA, the country's aviation regulator.

The spokesperson said the airline is engaging the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) to prioritise addressing the pilot's concerns.

"We are aware that one of our pilots has reported a possible defect on the fuel control switch of a Boeing 787-8 aircraft. After receiving this initial information, we have grounded the said aircraft and are involving the OEM to get the pilot's concerns checked on a priority basis. The matter has been communicated to the aviation regulator, DGCA. Air India had checked the fuel control switches on all Boeing 787 aircraft in its fleet after a directive from the DGCA, and had found no issues. At Air India, the safety of our passengers and crew remains a top priority," the spokesperson said.

On Monday, following the incident, Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP) President Captain CS Randhawa urged the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) to immediately investigate possible electrical faults in Boeing 787 aircraft, citing repeated incidents involving uncommanded movement of fuel control switches.

Captain Randhawa noted this was the third known incident in which uncommanded movement of fuel control switches had been recorded on a Boeing 787 aircraft.

On Tuesday, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) issued a rejoinder regarding the purported malfunction of the fuel cut-off switch on Air India's Boeing B787-8 aircraft VT-ANX, which the crew identified on two occasions on January 1.

They clarified that an external force was applied in the wrong direction, resulting in the switch from "RUN to CUTOFF".

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
This is concerning. Third incident with the same switch issue on a 787? Boeing needs to give a proper explanation, not just blame "external force". What if it happens mid-flight? As a frequent flyer, this makes me anxious.
A
Aman W
Respect to the pilot for reporting it. Many might ignore small things. Air India's response seems swift, which is a positive change from the old days. Hope the Tata management continues to focus on safety culture.
S
Sarah B
I appreciate the transparency in communicating the issue. However, the DGCA's final rejoinder saying it was due to "external force" seems to downplay the pilot's genuine concern. Were the previous two incidents also just "external force"? The investigation needs to be more thorough.
V
Vikram M
Boeing's quality control has been questionable for years now. We are buying expensive planes, we deserve better. DGCA should impose heavy penalties on manufacturers for recurring defects, not just on airlines.
K
Kavya N
Flying with family next month on a 787. This news is a bit scary, but glad they inspected all aircraft. Would feel better if they made the full inspection report public. Trust but verify!

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