India Orders Urgent Checks on Boeing Fuel Switches After Air India Crash
Published 14 July 2025
Highlights
- India's aviation regulator has mandated checks on Boeing fuel control switches following the Air India Flight 171 crash.
- The preliminary report revealed that fuel supply was cut off seconds after takeoff, leading to the crash.
- Speculation surrounds pilot error or sabotage, but the investigation is ongoing with no conclusions drawn.
- The US Federal Aviation Administration had previously advised checks on these switches in 2018.
- The Indian Commercial Pilots' Association has criticized premature conclusions and defended the flight crew.
India's aviation authority has issued a directive for airlines to inspect fuel control switches on Boeing aircraft, following a devastating crash involving Air India Flight 171. The crash, which occurred in June, resulted in the deaths of 260 people, making it one of the deadliest aviation disasters in recent years.
Preliminary Findings and Immediate Actions
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has called for these inspections to be completed by July 21, emphasizing the importance of maintaining airworthiness and operational safety. This move aligns with a 2018 advisory from the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which recommended checks on the locking mechanisms of fuel cut-off switches in Boeing models, including the 787 Dreamliner.
The preliminary report, released by India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), highlighted that the fuel supply to the engines was cut off shortly after takeoff, causing the aircraft to crash into a building. The report noted that the switches were moved from "run" to "cut-off," leading to a loss of thrust. Although the engines were restarted, it was too late to avert the disaster.
Speculation and Reactions
The report has sparked widespread speculation about potential pilot error or sabotage, although no definitive conclusions have been made. The Indian Commercial Pilots' Association has strongly opposed these theories, stating that such allegations are unfounded and insensitive to those affected by the tragedy. "There is absolutely no basis for such a claim at this stage," the association asserted.
Air India's CEO, Campbell Wilson, urged caution against drawing premature conclusions, noting that the investigation is still in its early stages. The AAIB's report is intended to present factual findings rather than apportion blame or liability.
International Response
In response to the preliminary findings, several international airlines have initiated their own inspections of Boeing aircraft. South Korea is also preparing to mandate similar checks. The FAA has reiterated that while the 2018 advisory was based on reports of disengaged locking features, it does not consider the planes unsafe.
What this might mean
As the investigation into the Air India Flight 171 crash continues, several outcomes are possible. If the final report identifies a mechanical fault with the fuel switches, it could lead to a global review of Boeing aircraft safety protocols and potentially impact the manufacturer's reputation. Conversely, if pilot error is determined to be a factor, it may prompt changes in training and operational procedures for flight crews. The ongoing scrutiny highlights the critical importance of aviation safety and the need for rigorous adherence to maintenance advisories.
