DGCA orders inspection of Air India Boeing 787 fuel switches at OEM facility after pilots reported switch movement issue during London-Bengaluru flight.
DGCA Orders Inspection of Air India Boeing 787 Fuel Switches After Pilot Report
DGCA Orders Inspection of Air India Boeing 787 Fuel Switches: India’s aviation regulator has directed a fresh inspection of fuel control switches installed on an Air India Boeing 787-8 aircraft after pilots reported a technical irregularity earlier this year. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said the aircraft, bearing registration VT-ANX, was grounded on February 2 after operating flight AI-132 from London Heathrow to Bengaluru. The action followed a Pilot Defect Report highlighting concerns related to the aircraft’s left fuel control switch.
Switch Reportedly Moved From RUN to CUTOFF Position
According to the report submitted by the crew, the left fuel control switch shifted from the “RUN” position to “CUTOFF” when slight pressure was applied. Pilots also noted that the switch did not lock positively in the selected position.
Fuel control switches are considered critical components inside the cockpit as they regulate the flow of fuel to aircraft engines. Any issue involving their locking mechanism or movement is treated seriously by airlines and regulators due to its direct connection with engine operation.
Air India Conducted Inspection Under DGCA Supervision
Following the incident, Air India carried out inspections and functional testing of the fuel control switches as per procedures prescribed by Boeing, the aircraft’s manufacturer. The checks were conducted in the presence of DGCA officials.
After reviewing the inspection results and technical evidence, Boeing reportedly concluded that the fuel control switch was functioning as designed and declared the unit serviceable.
DGCA Seeks Additional OEM-Level Examination
Despite the manufacturer’s findings, the DGCA has instructed that the switches undergo further examination at the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) facility. The inspection will also take place in the presence of DGCA officers as part of continued airworthiness monitoring.
The move signals the regulator’s cautious approach toward aviation safety and technical reliability, particularly in systems linked to engine control.
Focus Remains on Flight Safety
Authorities have not indicated that the issue resulted in an in-flight emergency. However, aviation experts note that even minor concerns involving cockpit control systems are thoroughly investigated to ensure there is no risk to operational safety.
