Fuel control switch module on Air India Boeing 787 to be examined at Boeing facility in US

Air India is set to have a fuel control switch module from a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner examined in the US. The move followed a pilot report of a possible switch defect in early February. The airline said the extra review is being taken as a measure of abundant caution. Officials have not shared further technical specifics.

Representative image

The part in question came from Boeing 787-8 aircraft VT-ANX, used on AI132. An Air India pilot flagged the issue on February 2 after operating the flight. The aircraft had faced a fuel control switch problem during engine start in London on February 1, according to available information.

Air India fuel control switch module to be tested

Sources said the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) decided on a detailed examination at Boeing’s facility in the US. Air India said the fuel switch module had already been checked. The airline added that both the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) and the DGCA had earlier confirmed it was fully functional.

Air India said the added step is meant to close out the matter with certainty. "The decision to proceed with further review and testing is understood to be intended to ensure a thorough and conclusive evaluation of the component, as a measure of abundant caution. This additional step involves examination in a controlled laboratory environment to definitively confirm its performance and integrity. We fully support the process,\" the spokesperson said in a statement.

DGCA review of Air India fuel control switch issue

After the February report, Air India carried out precautionary re-inspections of fuel control switches across its operational Boeing 787 fleet. The airline said no problems were found during these checks. On February 3, the DGCA’s initial review also looked at switch operation during the event.

The DGCA’s initial examination found that apparently correct procedure was not followed while operating the switch. The watchdog asked the airline to ensure crew members follow the proper procedures. There were no comments from the DGCA and Boeing on the planned US-based examination, and specific details could not be confirmed.

Fuel control switch focus after Air India Boeing 787-8 crash

The fuel control switch has stayed under attention since the crash of Air India’s Boeing 787-8. The incident killed 260 people on June 12 last year. A preliminary probe report said fuel supply was cut off soon after take-off, keeping the switch function in focus as checks continue.

With inputs from PTI