Air India's Dreamliner Dilemma: Fuel Control Flaws Under Scrutiny

An Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, recently flown from London to Bengaluru, remains grounded due to a reported fuel control switch defect. This follows significant safety concerns, as a similar malfunction previously led to a fatal crash. Investigations and precautionary measures are underway to ensure fleet-wide safety.

An Air India Dreamliner, operated from London Heathrow to Bengaluru, was grounded after a pilot reported a malfunction with the fuel control switch. The incident raises alarms, recalling last year's crash involving the same aircraft model, which resulted in 260 fatalities due to similar issues.

The aircraft completed its flight AI132 before the pilot documented the defect in the log book. According to sources, the left engine fuel switch moved unexpectedly from 'RUN' to 'CUT OFF', and failed to lock, an issue that could lead, under specific conditions, to an inadvertent engine shutdown.

Air India has taken immediate action by grounding the aircraft and informing the OEM and aviation authorities. While Boeing is assisting with the investigation, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation has yet to comment. The Federation of Indian Pilots and Safety Matters Foundation call for further scrutiny of the Dreamliner fleet. They emphasize the need for thorough checks of electrical systems to prevent future mishaps.