New Delhi – The Safety Matters Foundation has called for the “highest level of scrutiny” following a Boeing fuel switch issue that occurred on an Air India flight. The aviation safety platform raised serious concerns after the crew of Air India Flight AI132, operating from London Heathrow to Bengaluru, reported abnormal behavior of the left engine fuel control switch on a Boeing 787-8 aircraft.
The Boeing fuel switch issue has prompted immediate action from the airline, with the affected aircraft now grounded pending thorough investigation. This incident has reignited concerns about critical flight control systems on Boeing aircraft and the potential safety implications for commercial aviation operations.
Technical Details of the Malfunction
The Boeing fuel switch issue manifested during engine start procedures on the Boeing 787-8 aircraft bearing registration VT-ANX. According to the Safety Matters Foundation, when crew members attempted to start the engine, the switch failed to remain locked in the ‘run’ position despite two separate attempts.
Instead of maintaining its proper position, the switch moved toward the ‘cut-off’ position, creating a potentially hazardous situation. The aviation safety body emphasized that this Boeing fuel switch issue could, “under specific conditions,” lead to an inadvertent shutdown of the aircraft engine—a scenario that could have serious safety consequences during critical phases of flight.
Safety Platform’s Grave Concerns
The Safety Matters Foundation referenced the crash of Air India Flight 171 in Ahmedabad while discussing the Boeing fuel switch issue. Although the organization explicitly clarified it was not implying any direct connection between the two incidents, it emphasized that the recurring nature of problems with critical flight control systems on the same aircraft type warrants serious examination.
“While no connection is implied, the repeated emergence of issues with a critical flight control system on the same aircraft type demands the highest level of scrutiny,” the foundation stated. This assertion underscores growing apprehension within aviation safety circles about the Boeing fuel switch issue and similar technical problems affecting Boeing aircraft.
Air India’s Response and Actions
Air India acknowledged the Boeing fuel switch issue promptly after receiving the pilot’s report. The airline confirmed awareness of the possible defect on the fuel control switch of the Boeing 787-8 aircraft and announced immediate grounding of the plane to ensure passenger and crew safety.
“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 airline stated. Air India’s response to the Boeing fuel switch issue demonstrated its commitment to addressing safety concerns proactively, involving the original equipment manufacturer Boeing in the investigation process.
Also Read: Delhi Metro Substation: Revolutionary Power Infrastructure Launched
Regulatory Notification and Priority
The airline notified the Directorate General of Civil Aviation about the Boeing fuel switch issue, ensuring regulatory authorities remained informed about the developing situation. Air India emphasized that the safety of flight crew and passengers “remains top priority” for the organization, reflecting the seriousness with which the carrier treats such technical malfunctions.
The airline’s transparent communication regarding the Boeing fuel switch issue and its swift grounding decision align with established safety protocols for addressing potential aircraft defects that could compromise operational safety.
Previous Inspection History
Interestingly, Air India had previously conducted comprehensive inspections of fuel control switches across its Boeing fleet. Following a directive from the DGCA, the airline completed inspections of fuel control switches on all Boeing 787 and 737 aircraft in July of the previous year.
Despite these earlier inspections finding no issues, the recent Boeing fuel switch issue suggests that such malfunctions may develop over time or under specific operational conditions. This raises questions about inspection protocols and whether current procedures adequately identify potential failures before they manifest during actual operations.
Boeing’s Involvement
Aircraft manufacturer Boeing confirmed its engagement with the investigation into the Boeing fuel switch issue. The company stated it was supporting Air India’s review of the incident and maintaining contact with the airline throughout the process.
“We are in contact with Air India and are supporting their review of this matter,” Boeing stated, indicating the manufacturer’s commitment to resolving the Boeing fuel switch issue and ensuring similar problems do not affect other aircraft in service globally.
Implications for Aviation Safety
The Boeing fuel switch issue highlights ongoing challenges in maintaining critical aircraft systems and the importance of robust reporting mechanisms for identifying potential safety concerns. The involvement of the Safety Matters Foundation in publicizing this incident demonstrates the role independent aviation safety platforms play in maintaining accountability and transparency.
As investigations into the Boeing fuel switch issue continue, aviation authorities, airlines, and manufacturers must collaborate to determine root causes, implement corrective measures, and prevent similar malfunctions from occurring on other aircraft. The incident serves as a reminder that continuous vigilance and rigorous safety protocols remain essential in commercial aviation, where even seemingly minor technical issues can have potentially serious consequences for flight operations and passenger safety.
