Air India Grounds Boeing Jet After Pilot Flags Possible Fuel Control Switch Defect
Air India has taken precautionary measures by grounding a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner jet after one of its pilots raised concerns about a potential defect in the aircraft’s fuel control switch. Here are the key details regarding this incident:
– Immediate Action: Following the pilot’s report, Air India promptly informed India’s aviation regulator and is prioritizing a thorough investigation into the matter.
– Boeing’s Response: A spokesperson from Boeing stated, “We are in contact with Air India and are supporting their review of this matter.”
– Context of Safety Concerns: This grounding occurs amid an ongoing investigation into a tragic crash from last June involving an Air India aircraft of the same model, resulting in 260 fatalities.
Details of the Incident
– Flight Information: The specific flight details were not disclosed, but reports from Reuters and The Times of India indicated that the defect was identified after the aircraft landed in Bengaluru, having departed from London.
– Previous Mishap: In last year’s fatal incident, the London-bound Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner experienced engine shutdowns shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad due to fuel switches moving to the ‘cut off’ position. A preliminary investigation could not determine how this switch malfunction occurred.
Regulatory Actions and Investigations
– Safety Assurance: Following last year’s crash, the US aviation regulator confirmed that fuel control switches in Boeing aircraft are designed with safety in mind. India’s aviation authority has also mandated further investigations into cockpit fuel switches for Boeing 787 and 737 models.
– Air India’s Inspections: Air India reassured that inspections conducted on all Boeing 787 aircraft revealed no issues with the fuel control switch locking mechanism. They reiterated this assurance in their recent statement.
Ongoing Precautions
– Re-checking Measures: In response to the pilot’s findings, Air India has initiated a re-check of the fuel switches on its Dreamliner aircraft to ensure passenger safety.
– Expert Opinion: Aviation consultant Tim Atkinson, a former air accident investigator, expressed confidence in the design of Boeing’s fuel control switches, emphasizing that they are constructed to prevent unintentional movement. He stated, “I would be astonished to find it had some kind of latent defect.
In conclusion, the grounding of the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner by Air India underscores the airline’s commitment to safety, especially in light of past incidents. The swift action taken to address the pilot’s concerns reflects a proactive approach to aviation safety. As investigations continue, both the airline and Boeing aim to ensure the trust and safety of their passengers.