AI-Operated London Flight Incident in February to be Investigated Following Fuel Module Concerns

Air India to Conduct Detailed Examination of Fuel Control Switch Module

Air India has announced that a detailed examination will be carried out on the fuel control switch module of one of its Boeing 787-8 aircraft, following a reported defect by a pilot in February. The evaluation is being done as a measure of abundant caution, with the airline stating that it understands the importance of ensuring a thorough and conclusive evaluation of the component.

The incident occurred on February 1, when the Boeing 787-8 plane VT-ANX experienced a fuel control switch issue during engine start in London, while operating the AI132 flight. However, a precautionary re-inspection of the fuel control switch across all operational Boeing 787 aircraft conducted by Air India found no issues.

According to sources, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has decided to conduct a detailed examination of the particular switch module at Boeing's facility in the US. This decision comes after the DGCA's initial examination of the fuel control switch issue on February 3 found that the "apparently correct procedure" was not followed in operating the switch.

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DGCA and Boeing's Response

There were no comments from the DGCA and Boeing on the matter. However, Air India has stated that the fuel switch module had already been confirmed as fully functional by both the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) and the DGCA. The airline's spokesperson said that the decision to proceed with further review and testing is intended to ensure a thorough and conclusive evaluation of the component.

| Comparison of Inspection Results | | --- | --- | | Date | Findings | | February 3 | Initial examination found that "apparently correct procedure" was not followed in operating the switch | | Precautionary re-inspection (no specific date mentioned) | No issues found with the fuel control switch across all operational Boeing 787 aircraft |

Air India's Support for the Process

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Air India has fully supported the process and stated that the additional step involves examination in a controlled laboratory environment to definitively confirm the performance and integrity of the fuel control switch module. The airline has also been asked to ensure that the crew follows the right procedures for operating the switch, following the DGCA's initial examination.

The functioning of the fuel control switch is in focus following the crash of Air India's Boeing 787-8 aircraft on June 12 last year, which killed 260 people. The preliminary probe report mentioned that fuel supply was cut off soon after take-off.