DGCA orders fuel switch checks on all Boeing jets
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Monday issued a formal order directing all Indian airlines to inspect Boeing aircraft for potential disengagement of fuel control switch locking mechanisms by July 21. The safety concern was first highlighted by the US aviation regulator in 2018.
No mechanical issues in crashed aircraft: AI CEO
Air India CEO Campbell Wilson said the AAIB probe hadn’t found any mechanical or maintenance issues. “All mandatory maintenance tasks had been completed on the aircraft, the fuel quality was normal and the pilots had cleared their pre-flight medical checks,” he said in an internal message to staff.
The directive follows findings from the ongoing investigation into last month’s fatal crash of Air India Flight AI171 in Ahmedabad, where both engines lost power shortly after take-off. The accident resulted in 260 casualties, including 241 passengers and crew.
On June 12, The Tribune reported on a 2018 Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin (SAIB NM-18-33) issued by the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which warned of possible fuel control switch issues in Boeing aircraft, including the 787 series operated by Air India. The FAA advisory specifically addressed switches with part number 4TL837-3D—the same type installed on the crashed Air India aircraft.
However, Air India informed investigators that the recommended inspections under the FAA bulletin were not conducted, as the notice was classified as “non-mandatory guidance” rather than a compulsory airworthiness directive.
Despite this, the AAIB report clarified that maintenance records for aircraft showed no reported defects linked to the fuel control switch, either before or after throttle control module replacements in 2019 and 2023.
The DGCA, in its latest order, said it had come to its attention that several operators internationally and domestically had begun inspecting their fleets under the SAIB, and therefore mandated similar checks across all affected aircraft in India. Operators have been given until July 21 to complete inspections and submit compliance reports.
“Strict adherence to the timeline is essential to ensure continued airworthiness and safety of operations,” said DGCA Director of Airworthiness RB Jamir.
While the original FAA advisory was non-binding, the preliminary findings appear to have led the DGCA to adopt a more cautious approach. The regulator’s directive covers multiple Boeing models registered in India, including the 737, 747, 757, 767, 787, MD-11 and MD-90 series.
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