India commands inspection of Boeing aircrafts

(MENAFN) India’s civil aviation regulator has instructed airlines to inspect fuel switches on Boeing aircraft following a preliminary investigation into the deadly Air India crash in June. The directive comes after a report revealed that fuel supply to the engines had been cut off shortly after takeoff.

The UK-bound Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, carrying 242 people, crashed into a medical college dormitory in Ahmedabad on June 12. Only one person on board survived, while 19 people on the ground also lost their lives.

On Monday, the regulator announced the inspection order, which covers both Boeing 787 Dreamliners and 737 aircraft. Several airlines had already begun voluntarily checking the locking mechanisms tied to the fuel switches, according to The Economic Times.

A preliminary report from India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau stated that the crash occurred after cockpit fuel switches were mistakenly moved to the ‘cut off’ position seconds after takeoff, halting fuel to both engines. Although the engines were later restarted, the aircraft continued to lose altitude, prompting a Mayday call.

Investigators have ruled out factors such as fuel quality, overloading, bird strikes, or hazardous cargo. All systems appeared normal during takeoff. No immediate actions have been recommended against Boeing or General Electric, the engine supplier. Both firms, along with the US Federal Aviation Administration and the UK’s Air Accidents Investigation Branch, are assisting in the ongoing investigation.

Despite Western reports assuring the safety of Boeing’s fuel switch locks, airlines in Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and Etihad Airways have begun precautionary inspections, Reuters reported.

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