FAA Declares Boeing Fuel Switches Safe After Air India Crash: What You Need to Know

The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recently assured international aviation authorities that the fuel control switches in Boeing aircraft, like the Dreamliner involved in the tragic Air India crash, do not present a safety issue. This announcement followed an early report from India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) about Air India Flight 171, which lost engine power shortly after takeoff on June 12.

Reports indicate that the switches, responsible for regulating fuel to the engines, were accidentally turned from “run” to “cut-off,” leading to a loss of thrust. Notably, this wasn’t the first time concerns about these switches were raised. A 2018 FAA bulletin urged airlines operating Boeing planes to inspect these locking mechanisms. Unfortunately, Air India had not conducted this inspection, according to the AAIB findings.

A cockpit recording revealed a startling exchange between pilots: one asked, “Why did you cut off?” The other insisted, “I didn’t do that.” Such conversations highlight the confusion during critical moments.

The FAA reinforced that while the fuel switch designs share similarities across various Boeing models, they do not view this as a safety risk that calls for an airworthiness directive. The agency plans to continue updating foreign authorities with relevant data.

This crash was devastating, claiming the lives of 260 people—the deadliest aviation accident in over a decade. It’s a stark reminder of the importance of rigorous safety checks and adherence to maintenance guidelines.

To enhance safety further, aviation experts suggest that regular training for pilots on emergency protocols can equip them better for unexpected incidents, and conducting thorough inspections of critical components could save lives.

As investigations continue, stakeholders, including the US National Transportation Safety Board and the UK’s Air Accidents Investigation Branch, remain committed to uncovering every detail. This collaboration underscores a global commitment to aviation safety.



Source link