'Cutoff' In Cockpit: Why Heathrow Dreamliner Scare Is 'Smoking Gun' For Ahmedabad Crash Probe

Last Updated:February 02, 2026, 22:56 IST

The Heathrow malfunction is expected to have a direct and potentially game-changing bearing on the ongoing investigation into Flight AI-171

On June 12, the London Gatwick-bound Boeing 787-8 aircraft crashed soon after taking off from the Ahmedabad airport. (File pic/PTI)

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched a comprehensive investigation into a technical malfunction involving an Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner at London Heathrow. The aircraft, registered as VT-ANX, has been grounded following a report that its left engine fuel control switch slipped twice from the “Run" position to “Cutoff" during engine start-up.

The Heathrow Incident: A Technical Ghost?

The incident occurred as flight AI-132, destined for Bengaluru, was preparing for departure on February 2, 2026. According to the pilot’s log, the fuel control switch—a critical component governing fuel flow—failed to remain locked and moved towards the “Cutoff" position when pushed slightly. While the aircraft eventually completed the flight, the discovery of a failing lock mechanism on the ground has prompted immediate action.

This grounding is particularly alarming because it comes after Air India reportedly conducted fleet-wide inspections of these specific switches following the Ahmedabad tragedy last year. The fact that a “possible defect" has surfaced again—this time documented on the ground—suggests that earlier precautionary checks may have missed a systemic mechanical or design flaw.

The Bearing on the AI-171 Probe

The Heathrow malfunction is expected to have a direct and potentially game-changing bearing on the ongoing investigation into Flight AI-171. On June 12, 2025, an Air India Dreamliner crashed seconds after takeoff from Ahmedabad, killing 260 people, after both fuel switches moved to “Cutoff".

Shifting the Narrative: Until now, speculation was heavily weighted towards pilot error or intentional interference, especially since cockpit recordings captured one pilot asking the other why the fuel was cut off.

Mechanical vs Human Factor: The documented failure of the switch to lock on VT-ANX provides the first concrete evidence that these switches can move “uncommanded". This could shift the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB)’s focus from pilot culpability to a systemic mechanical failure or a recurring defect previously warned about by the FAA.

Geopolitical Context

The grounding coincides with a high-level diplomatic mission in the United States. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is currently in Washington to participate in the Critical Minerals Ministerial. While his visit focuses on supply chain resilience and strategic cooperation with the US administration, the recurring safety issues with Boeing aircraft remain a delicate subtext in Indo-US trade and aviation safety dialogues.

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