India’s aviation regulator has directed airlines to inspect fuel control switches on several Boeing aircraft models following preliminary findings from last month’s deadly Air India crash, which killed 260 people.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) issued the order Monday after India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau reported that the fuel switches on the crashed Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner had unexpectedly moved from “run” to “cutoff” shortly after takeoff. The June 12 flight, en route from Ahmedabad to London, crashed with only one survivor among the 242 passengers and crew, along with 19 ground fatalities.
While Boeing has assured operators that its fuel switch locks are safe, the DGCA’s directive aligns with a U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) advisory recommending checks to prevent accidental activation. Airlines must complete inspections by July 21.
The preliminary crash report revealed a puzzling exchange between pilots, with one questioning why fuel was cut off and the other denying any action. Air India CEO Campbell Wilson cautioned against “premature conclusions” as investigations continue.
The move affects multiple Boeing models, including 787s and 737s, with several global carriers already conducting voluntary inspections. The tragedy has intensified scrutiny over cockpit controls and safety protocols in India’s rapidly growing aviation sector.
