India Orders Airlines to Inspect Boeing Fuel Switches Following Crash

In the aftermath of the tragic crash of Air India flight 171, which resulted in the loss of 260 lives, India's Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has mandated that all airlines operating Boeing aircraft conduct thorough inspections of their fuel switches. This directive follows a preliminary report, released on July 14, 2025, which indicated that both engines of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner involved in the incident had been deprived of fuel shortly after takeoff.

The preliminary investigation, conducted by India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), revealed that the fuel supply to the engines was cut seconds into the flight. The report included recordings from the cockpit where one pilot queried why the fuel cutoff occurred, to which the other pilot denied having done so. Both switches were later confirmed to have been manipulated to restore fuel flow, but the aircraft was too low to recover, leading to the catastrophic outcome.

This tragic incident, which has sparked widespread speculation regarding its cause, has drawn attention not only within India but also internationally. The DGCA's order for inspections aligns with similar actions taken by South Korean regulators, who are also preparing to issue directives on this matter.

Air India’s CEO, Campbell Wilson, emphasized the need for caution in interpreting the report, stating in a memo to staff that the investigation is still in its early stages and no definitive conclusions regarding the cause of the crash have been reached. Wilson urged the public to refrain from jumping to conclusions, as the report did not provide cause or recommendations against Boeing in its preliminary findings.

The investigation has pointed to two primary theories regarding the fuel cut: potential pilot error or sabotage, and the possibility of faulty fuel switch locks. The Indian Commercial Pilots’ Association (ICPA) has voiced strong opposition to the speculation surrounding pilot involvement, particularly the insinuation of deliberate acts such as suicide, calling these narratives reckless and unfounded.

Adding complexity to the investigation, a 2018 bulletin from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recommended that airlines check the locking mechanisms of fuel switches on various Boeing aircraft, including the 787 Dreamliner. However, the bulletin did not classify the issue as an unsafe condition warranting mandatory inspections, leading to questions about the adequacy of current safety protocols.

Steve Giordano, a former airline captain with experience flying Boeing aircraft, expressed skepticism about the mechanical reliability of the aircraft, suggesting that human error may have played a role in the tragic event rather than a systemic mechanical failure.

As investigations continue, the implications of this disaster extend beyond immediate aviation safety concerns. The Air India crash has raised critical questions about regulatory oversight, the accountability of aircraft manufacturers, and the preparedness of airlines to handle potential failures in aircraft systems. The situation remains fluid, and the aviation community awaits further findings that could alter safety measures and operational protocols for airlines worldwide.

In summary, the Air India flight 171 crash serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities present in modern aviation and the pressing need for rigorous safety standards and transparent investigations to restore public confidence in air travel. As the investigation progresses, all eyes will be on the responses from regulatory bodies and Boeing, as well as the broader implications for airline safety protocols globally.