No Fault Found in Boeing 787 Fuel Switch Check as Air India Investigation Continues

The government has informed Parliament that Boeing’s examination of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner fuel control switch locking mechanism found no abnormalities, following concerns raised by an Air India pilot earlier this year.

In a written reply to the Rajya Sabha, Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol said the inspection was conducted after a pilot reported a possible issue with the fuel control switch of Air India flight AI132 operating from London Heathrow to Bengaluru on February 2.

The aircraft was grounded after landing, and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) directed Boeing to conduct an OEM-level inspection of the fuel control switch system at its Seattle facility. Boeing’s detailed assessment examined the structural integrity of the fuel control switch detents and found no abnormality. However, further inspection of the aircraft’s complete Thrust Control Module is still underway.

Air India had also carried out precautionary checks of the Fuel Control Switch (FCS) across its operational Boeing 787 fleet and reported that no issues were detected.

The findings come amid continued scrutiny of the Dreamliner’s fuel system following the crash of Air India flight AI171 in Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025. The Boeing 787-8 aircraft crashed shortly after take-off while operating a flight to London Gatwick, killing 260 people.

The preliminary report by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) stated that fuel supply to both engines was cut off within one second after take-off. The cockpit recording showed one pilot questioning the other about the fuel switch operation, while the other denied turning it off.

The government said the AI171 crash investigation is still in progress and that there has been no delay. Officials noted that major aviation accident investigations involve detailed technical analysis, international reviews and consultations before a final report can be issued.

While Boeing’s latest inspection has provided reassurance regarding the Dreamliner fleet, the final findings of the Ahmedabad crash probe will remain critical for identifying any possible technical, operational or human factors involved and strengthening aviation safety measures.