FAA and Boeing Defend Fuel Switches Amid Air India Crash Investigation
Following a fatal Air India Boeing 787 crash that killed 260 people, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Boeing have asserted that the aircraft's fuel control switch design is not an "unsafe condition." This comes after a preliminary Indian report highlighted that the fuel switches were cut off just after takeoff. Indian pilot associations have raised concerns about a potential bias towards pilot error in the investigation and are demanding a transparent, fact-based inquiry, with some considering legal action for inclusion in the probe.
Unpacked:
The preliminary report indicates that the aircraft's fuel switches were cut off shortly after takeoff, which would have shut down the engines. Investigators are trying to determine how or why this occurred, as it is a critical event that directly led to engine failure and the crash. The cause—whether mechanical, procedural, or human error—remains unclear.
Indian pilot associations worry that the investigation may be biased toward blaming pilot error, possibly overlooking technical or systemic factors. They are demanding a transparent and thorough investigation to ensure all possible causes, including design or procedural issues, are considered before assigning blame.
The preliminary report and Air India CEO confirm there were no mechanical or maintenance issues found, and the aircraft's systems—including fuel quality and engine settings—were normal. No evidence of sabotage or bird strikes was detected, and all other aircraft in the fleet were deemed safe after checks.
Aviation accident investigations, especially those involving complex factors like this, can take a year or longer. The Indian authorities have released only a preliminary report so far, and the final report will likely provide a detailed analysis and conclusions about the cause, with recommendations for future safety.