Investigations Intensify Following Air India Crash

Authorities in India, South Korea, and Singapore launch precautionary inspections on fuel systems of Boeing jets following concerning report related to Air India Flight 171 crash.

 

Regulators from India and South Korea have initiated inspections of fuel control switches on Boeing aircraft following a preliminary investigation into the tragic crash of Air India Flight 171 in June. Findings indicate that the plane's fuel supply was interrupted shortly after takeoff, prompting concerns about the management of the fuel switches. The report, released by Indian investigators, did not provide a definitive cause or assign blame but indicated that a mechanical failure or design flaw was unlikely.

Singapore Airlines announced the completion of inspections of the fuel switches for both its fleet and its subsidiary Scoot, in light of the findings. Of particular note is the revelation that the two fuel control switches on the doomed Boeing 787 were deactivated mere seconds into the flight. Given that these switches are designed with locking mechanisms aimed at preventing unintended adjustments, experts suggest that human intervention is a plausible explanation for their movement.

The investigation also highlighted an advisory issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in 2018, which recommended thorough inspections of the locking functions of fuel control switches on various Boeing models. The recent report revealed that Air India had not performed these inspections, as they were not mandated. Notably, the FAA had deemed the locking mechanism concerns as not posing a significant safety risk, which has raised questions in the aftermath of this incident.

As investigations continue, aviation safety experts call for a reassessment of operational protocols to prioritize passenger safety and ensure compliance with recommended maintenance practices.