‘No abnormality’ in fuel switch test of Boeing 787, Centre tells Parliament after Air India grounded flight

The Indian government has reported that a recent test of a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner's fuel control switch mechanism revealed no abnormalities. This follows a pilot's report of a possible defect on an Air India London–Bengaluru flight earlier this year, which led to the aircraft being grounded on February 2.

Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol informed Parliament that the Directorate General of Civil Aviation mandated Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM)-level testing of the fuel control switch (FCS) locking mechanism in Seattle. While the detailed examination found no issues with the FCS, further inspection of the complete 'Thrust Control Module' at the OEM facility is currently underway.

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Detailed examination of Fuel Control Switch including structural integrity of Fuel Control Switch detents was carried out and no abnormality was observed. However, further inspection of complete ‘Thrust Control Module’ at OEM facility is underway.

These checks are part of ongoing airworthiness measures, particularly after the crash of flight AI-171 in Ahmedabad on June 12 last year. Regarding the AI-171 investigation, Mohol stated there is no delay, emphasizing that the timeline for major accident investigations is unpredictable and depends on various evolving factors. All probable causes and contributing factors are being examined, and the final report will be published on the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) website upon completion.

The minister did not confirm or deny whether pilot conduct is among the factors being investigated for the AI-171 crash, nor did he provide a release date for the final report. This comes after the Centre had previously informed the Supreme Court that the AAIB probe was expected to conclude within six weeks, with a draft report ready by October.

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There is no delay in the investigation. The timeline for a major accident investigation cannot be predicted, as it depends on several factors and is an evolving process involving multiple variables. The investigation is under progress. All probable causes and contributing factors leading to the accident are being investigated.