Following a possible problem with the fuel switch of a Boeing 787-8 aircraft in Air India’s fleet, the aviation safety platform Safety Matters Foundation (SMF) has called for a “highest level investigation” into the matter.
The aircraft has now been grounded by Air India (@DGCAIndia/Representative)“Today, it’s time Air India flight management Al132 (London Heathrow to Bengaluru), crew reported abnormal behavior of left engine fuel control switch on Boeing 787-8 aircraft VT-ANX,” ANI news agency quoted SMF as saying.
while starting its engine Boeing The aircraft, which has now been grounded by Air India, allegedly failed to lock the switch to the ‘run’ position despite two attempts and moved to the ‘cut-off’ position, the SMF said in a statement. The agency added that the defect could lead to an inadvertent shutdown of the aircraft’s engines “under certain circumstances.”
SMF mentions Air India Flight 171 crash in Ahmedabad. Clarifying that it does not imply any connection between the two incidents, the aviation safety agency said the issue warrants serious investigation.
Also Read | Boeing 787 had technical fault long before Air India crash in Ahmedabad: US safety group
More Read
“Although no connection is implied, the emergence of repeated problems with a critical flight control system on the same aircraft type demands the highest level of investigation,” the foundation said.
What did Air India say after the incident?Air India has acknowledged a possible fault in the fuel switch of the Boeing 787-8 aircraft and added that it has grounded the aircraft.
“We are aware that one of our pilots has reported a possible malfunction in the fuel control switch on a Boeing 787-8 aircraft. Upon receiving this initial information, we have grounded the said aircraft and are engaging the OEM to investigate the pilot’s concerns on a priority basis,” the airline said in a statement.
More Read
Air India also said that the matter has been brought to the notice of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), while adding that the safety of flight crew and passengers “remains a top priority” for the airline.
The airline said it did not find any problems after inspecting the fuel control switches of all Boeing 787 aircraft in its fleet following DGCA’s directive. Air India completed inspections of fuel control switches on all its Boeing 787 and 737 aircraft in July last year.
Meanwhile, aircraft maker Boeing said it is supporting Air India’s review of the incident and is in contact with the airline. “We are in contact with Air India and support their review on this matter,” Boeing said
