Air India Says Fuel Control Switches Functioning Properly After Inspection Amid Crash Probe

Amid intense scrutiny following the tragic crash of Air India Flight AI-171, the airline has completed a comprehensive inspection of fuel control switches (FCS) across all its Boeing 787 and Boeing 737 aircraft. According to the company, no faults were detected during the checks, which were carried out in accordance with DGCA directives dated July 14, 2025.

Inspection Started Even Before Official Order

Air India stated that it had voluntarily initiated the inspection on July 12, ahead of the DGCA's instruction, reaffirming its commitment to ensuring the safety of passengers and crew. The findings have been formally submitted to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

"880" data-end="1178">The inspections follow the June 12 crash of Air India flight AI-171, which was en route from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick. The aircraft crashed just 32 seconds after takeoff, falling in a residential area of Meghani Nagar, Ahmedabad, after losing signal at 625 feet altitude.

• Fatalities on board: 241 out of 242 (only 1 survivor, a British citizen of Indian origin)

• Ground casualties: 19 people killed, 67 seriously injured

Preliminary Crash Report: Fuel Starvation Identified

On July 12, India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) released its preliminary findings. The report revealed that both engines suffered a loss of thrust due to fuel starvation, causing the fuel control switches to move from “run” to “cutoff” mode—effectively shutting down power at a critical moment.

Company Response: All Systems “Working Fine”

In its statement to the DGCA, Air India has asserted that all inspected aircraft show no defects in their FCS systems, suggesting the issue in the AI-171 incident may be isolated rather than systemic. Investigations into the root cause of the engine failure and fuel system malfunction are still ongoing.

Looking Ahead

While Air India maintains its systems are in working order, the final crash report by AAIB will be crucial in determining whether design flaws, maintenance lapses, or operational errors were involved. For now, the airline continues to emphasize its proactive safety measures and compliance with regulatory protocols.