6 hours ago
Last Updated:July 14, 2025, 12:46 IST
The directive came just after an initial probe report of the plane crash involving an Air India flight AI-171, which resulted in 270 fatalities, was released.
Air India plane crash triggers inspection of Boeing fuel switch locks | Image: Representative
After preliminary findings from the investigation into the June 12 crash of Air India flight AI-171, major international airlines have started inspecting the fuel control switch locking mechanisms on their Boeing 787 aircraft, according to a report.
The directive came just after an initial probe report of the plane crash involving an Air India flight AI-171, which resulted in 270 fatalities, was released.
Etihad Airways issued an internal instruction on July 13 directing engineers to examine the locking mechanisms on its Boeing 787 aircraft, specifically referencing aircraft registered as A6-BLI, reported The Economic Times, citing exclusive documents.
Sources revealed that Singapore Airlines has also begun similar inspections.
India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) released its preliminary report on July 12, stating that the fuel control switches on the Air India aircraft had transitioned from “RUN" to “CUTOFF" just three seconds after takeoff.
According to the AAIB, cockpit audio recorded a conversation between the pilots, with one asking, “Why did you cut off (the fuel supply)?" The other responded that he had not done so.
The Boeing 787’s fuel control switches are designed with a locking system that prevents unintentional movement.
The switch must be lifted before being moved into position—either forward to initiate fuel supply (RUN) or backwards to stop it (CUTOFF).
The AAIB cited a 2018 safety notice from the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which warned of potential failures in this locking mechanism.
The bulletin highlighted the risk that a faulty system could allow the switch to move without deliberate pilot input. However, Air India had not conducted the FAA-recommended inspection, as it was not classified as mandatory.
As investigations continue, other airlines are now taking precautionary steps to examine their own Boeing 787 fleets for similar issues.
view commentsLocation :United Arab Emirates (UAE)
First Published:News world Etihad, Other Airlines Order Inspection Of Boeing 787 Fuel Switch Locks: Report
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