India to observe Boeing tests on fuel switches linked to Air India crash probe

Indian aviation authorities are set to send officials to Seattle next month to monitor Boeing’s examination of a fuel-control switch panel connected to an earlier Air India Boeing 787 incident, as investigators continue probing last year’s deadly AI171 crash in Ahmedabad, as per reports.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has reportedly asked to be present during the testing process after concerns emerged over the functioning of fuel switches that regulate the flow of fuel to aircraft engines. These switches became a major focus of scrutiny after the preliminary report into the AI171 crash revealed that both switches were moved to the cutoff position almost simultaneously, causing fuel starvation in the engines.

The component under examination was removed from an Air India Dreamliner earlier this year after pilots operating a London–Bengaluru flight reported irregular behaviour during engine start-up. According to reports, the switches did not consistently remain in the “run” position when slight upward pressure was applied, although they functioned normally on a later attempt and the flight proceeded safely.

Although inspections later declared the switch module operational, the unit was sent to Boeing’s Seattle facility for additional laboratory testing. Indian officials now want to study whether pressure applied from a particular angle could unintentionally affect the switch’s locking system.

Boeing has reportedly informed Air India that the switch module was found serviceable, while the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration has maintained that there is currently no indication the AI171 crash was caused by a mechanical failure.

As per reports, Indian authorities consider the issue significant enough to warrant direct oversight during the testing process. Two DGCA officials are expected to attend the examination, with Air India covering travel expenses.