URGENT UPDATE: Airlines operating specific Boeing models are under immediate orders to inspect fuel control switches following a devastating Air India crash that claimed 260 lives in June. India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has mandated inspections of Boeing 787 Dreamliners and select Boeing 737 variants, with findings due by July 21.
The directive comes in light of a preliminary investigation revealing that the fuel control switches were flipped off, cutting off fuel supply to both engines just seconds before the crash. The tragic incident occurred shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad on June 12, resulting in the death of 242 passengers and 19 individuals on the ground.
The DGCA’s report, released last week, highlighted a critical moment where the cockpit recordings captured a chaotic exchange between pilots. One questioned why the fuel had been cut off, while the other insisted he had not done so. This has fueled speculation about human error being a contributing factor to the crash, although the Indian Commercial Pilots Association has firmly rejected such claims, labeling them as “reckless and unfounded.”
Air India’s CEO, Campbell Wilson, stated that the preliminary report found no mechanical issues with the aircraft or engines, confirming all mandatory maintenance tasks were completed prior to the flight. His internal memo assured that the quality of fuel was satisfactory and that all pilots had passed their pre-flight checks without issue.
In response to the crash, Indian authorities have ordered comprehensive checks of Air India’s entire fleet of Boeing 787 Dreamliners to prevent future tragedies. A 2018 advisory from the US Federal Aviation Administration had already recommended inspections of the locking mechanisms on these fuel cut-off switches, highlighting a long-standing concern.
As the aviation community grapples with the implications of this tragedy, the focus remains on ensuring safety and accountability within the industry. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash, and further updates are expected as the situation develops.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story unfolds. Share your thoughts and condolences as we remember the lives lost in this tragic event.
