UPDATE: India’s aviation regulator has issued an urgent directive for airlines to inspect several Boeing models following a tragic incident involving an Air India flight. Just days after an investigation revealed critical issues related to fuel control switches, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) mandated inspections of Boeing 787 Dreamliners and select Boeing 737 variants.
The inspections are to be completed and findings submitted to the DGCA by July 21, 2023. This follows a preliminary report on the June 12 crash in Ahmedabad, which resulted in the loss of 260 lives. Investigators found that the fuel control switches were flipped off, cutting fuel supply to both engines almost simultaneously.
According to the report from the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), the switches shifted within one second of each other, leading to catastrophic engine failure. The report did not conclude why the switches were turned off or how they moved from the “run” position during the flight.
Cockpit voice recordings indicated a moment of confusion between the pilots, with one questioning why the fuel was cut off. The other pilot denied having done so. Some experts suggest human error may have played a role in this disaster, a theory contested by at least two commercial pilots’ associations in India.
In a statement, the Indian Commercial Pilots Association expressed deep concern over “speculative narratives”, particularly claims of pilot suicide. Campbell Wilson, the CEO of Air India, stated that the preliminary report found no mechanical faults or maintenance issues with the aircraft or its engines. In an internal memo, Wilson reassured staff that all mandatory maintenance tasks had been completed and there were no issues with the fuel quality.
The report also referenced a 2018 advisory from the US Federal Aviation Administration recommending inspections of the fuel cut-off switches on Boeing aircraft. Following this tragic crash, the Indian authorities have mandated thorough checks of Air India’s entire fleet of Boeing 787 Dreamliners to prevent future incidents.
As inspections commence, airlines are urged to prioritize safety measures and ensure compliance with regulatory standards. The aviation community remains on high alert as the investigation continues, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability in the industry.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as authorities work to uncover the full details behind this catastrophic event.
