Air India Incident: US FAA and Boeing Address ‘Fuel Switch Locks’ Issue

The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Boeing have confirmed that the fuel switch locks on Boeing aircraft are safe, following a preliminary report from India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) regarding the tragic crash of Air India Flight 171 on June 12. The FAA’s notification, issued on July 11, reassured that the fuel control switch design does not present an unsafe condition that would necessitate further action. This clarification comes amid concerns raised about the potential accidental activation of fuel switches shortly after takeoff, which may have contributed to the crash that claimed 260 lives.

FAA and Boeing’s Assurance on Fuel Switch Safety

In response to the AAIB’s preliminary findings, the FAA issued a Continued Airworthiness Notification, emphasizing that the fuel control switch design, including its locking feature, is consistent across various Boeing models. The FAA stated that it does not consider the issue to be a safety concern that would require an Airworthiness Directive for any Boeing aircraft, including the Model 787 involved in the Air India incident. Boeing echoed this sentiment in a recent Multi-Operator Message to airlines, indicating that no additional actions are recommended following the crash. The FAA’s position aims to alleviate fears surrounding the fuel switch mechanisms, which have been under scrutiny since the tragic event.

Details from the Preliminary Investigation

The AAIB’s preliminary report highlighted that the fuel control switches, which manage the fuel supply to an aircraft’s engines, may have been inadvertently activated shortly after takeoff. This incident occurred just seconds after the aircraft reached a maximum speed of 180 knots, leading to both engine fuel switches transitioning from ‘RUN’ to ‘CUTOFF.’ The report noted that the aircraft’s throttle control module, housing these switches, had been replaced twice in recent years, but Air India had not conducted the recommended inspections from a 2018 FAA advisory, as they were not mandatory. The AAIB concluded that the airworthiness concern did not warrant an Airworthiness Directive from the FAA.

Call for Fair Inquiry by Pilots’ Association

In light of the ongoing investigation, ALPA India, representing Indian pilots, has called for a thorough and impartial inquiry into the crash. The association has expressed concerns about potential biases in the investigation, particularly regarding assumptions of pilot error. ALPA India emphasized the need for their involvement as observers in the probe, citing the preliminary report’s reference to a 2018 FAA advisory that raised questions about the fuel control switch gates. The pilots’ association insists that a fair, fact-based inquiry is essential to uncover the true causes of the incident and prevent future tragedies.

Flight Data Insights and Crash Circumstances

Flight data revealed alarming details about the moments leading up to the crash. Just after achieving maximum speed during takeoff, both engine fuel switches were found to have moved to the ‘CUTOFF’ position within a second of each other, resulting in a loss of thrust. A cockpit voice recording captured a conversation between the pilots, with one questioning why the fuel was shut off, to which the other responded that he had not done so. Despite attempts to restore engine power, the aircraft entered a steep descent and crashed into a nearby building shortly after takeoff. Investigators noted the deployment of the Ram Air Turbine (RAT), a backup power source, but found no evidence of external factors, such as bird strikes, contributing to the incident. The investigation continues as authorities seek to determine the precise cause of the fuel switch activation.

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