In a decisive move after June's horrific Air India crash that claimed 260 lives, India's Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has instructed domestic airlines to perform crucial inspections on fuel control switches in Boeing aircraft. This order comes in the wake of preliminary investigation findings indicating that fuel to the engines of Flight 171 was significantly halted shortly after take-off.
The United States' Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) stated earlier this week that the fuel control switches are safe but the overall scenario has sparked concern globally. The FAA's previous 2018 advisory, which urged operators to check the locking feature on these switches, has now gained renewed attention, as it underscores the importance of safety checks even if not mandatory.
Air India reportedly neglected these inspections due to their non-mandatory status, which is now being reassessed. The DGCA has set a strict deadline for airlines, requiring compliance by July 21 to ensure ongoing safety.
In response to the developing situation, the Indian Commercial Pilots’ Association has come to the defense of the flight crew from Flight 171, asserting their actions were aligned with training protocols amidst extreme challenges. They stress that the preliminary report's aim is not to attribute blame but rather seek clarity on the events that led to the tragedy.
Meanwhile, South Korea is also considering a similar order for its Boeing aircraft following these revelations, indicating a broader global concern regarding aviation safety. The investigation is ongoing, with various stakeholders closely monitoring the situation.
