DGCA Orders Fuel Switch Lock Inspections On All Boeing Aircraft By July 21 After Air India Crash

In a significant move aimed at bolstering aviation safety, India's aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), has ordered all airlines operating Boeing aircraft to inspect the locking mechanism of fuel control switches by July 21, 2025. The directive comes after the preliminary findings of the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) pointed to fuel-related anomalies in the recent Air India crash in Ahmedabad.

The June 12 crash involved Air India flight AI 171, a Boeing 787-8 bound for London Gatwick, which crashed shortly after take-off, killing 260 people. The AAIB's initial report highlighted that fuel supply to both engines was interrupted within a one-second gap, creating confusion in the cockpit. Cockpit voice recordings revealed one pilot asking, "Why did you cut off?" to which the other responded, "I didn't."

DGCA Issues Urgent Inspection Directive

Responding to global and domestic concerns, the DGCA emphasized that several international and Indian operators have already begun checks in accordance with the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin (SAIB) NM-18-33, issued on December 17, 2018. While the FAA had previously flagged the issue, it did not mandate any action through an airworthiness directive, suggesting the issue was not deemed a serious safety threat at the time.

However, in the wake of the recent crash, the DGCA stated in its Monday order:

"All airline operators of the affected aircraft are hereby advised to complete the inspection... no later than July 21, 2025. Inspection plan and report after accomplishment of inspection shall be submitted to this office under intimation to the concerned Regional Office."

Understanding the Fuel Control Switch Concern

Fuel control switches are crucial components in aircraft, regulating the flow of fuel into engines. Any malfunction or unintended disengagement in their locking mechanism can lead to abrupt fuel cutoff - a scenario that played out fatally in the Air India crash. The aircraft lost thrust in both engines almost simultaneously, leading to a complete loss of control.

Domestic carriers including Air India, Air India Express, Akasa Air, and SpiceJet, which operate Boeing 787 and 737 aircraft, are directly impacted by the order. The DGCA's proactive step reflects increasing international scrutiny of Boeing's aircraft systems, particularly following past incidents and mechanical concerns associated with the 787 and 737 models.

As of now, the AAIB has not issued any formal safety recommendations, but the DGCA's directive suggests heightened caution moving forward. The final investigation report is expected to determine if systemic changes are required in aircraft design, operation, or maintenance procedures.