UK CAA issued directive targeting Boeing 787s weeks before Ahmedabad crash
Just weeks before an Air India Boeing 787-8 aircraft crashed after takeoff from Ahmedabad, the UK’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) had raised safety concerns involving fuel control components on several Boeing aircraft, including the Dreamliner.
On May 15, the CAA issued a safety notice instructing operators of Boeing 737, 757, 767, 777, and 787 models to review a US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Airworthiness Directive (AD). The FAA had identified fuel shutoff valve actuators as potential safety hazards, prompting UK authorities to mandate urgent checks and daily inspections where necessary.
Fuel shutoff valves identified as a potential risk
A fuel shutoff valve is a critical safety device that halts fuel flow to an aircraft engine during emergencies, including fires or forced landings. The UK regulator’s directive called for operators to test, inspect, or replace these actuators as part of enhanced safety measures.
The UK’s safety notice required daily checks of fuel shutoff valves on affected Boeing aircraft until operators could confirm compliance or take corrective action based on the FAA directive.
AAIB links crash to fuel switch movement
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) of India, in its preliminary investigation of the Air India crash, reported that fuel control switches on the aircraft suddenly shifted to “CUTOFF” just after liftoff. This movement led to the shutdown of both engines, contributing to the fatal crash.
The FAA, in a separate statement issued on July 11, stated that the design of the fuel control switches does not inherently pose a safety risk. Boeing supported this view, issuing similar guidance to airlines worldwide. However, the UK CAA’s earlier directive emphasized more aggressive operator-level checks.
Air India did not follow the 2018 FAA advisory
According to the AAIB’s preliminary findings, Air India had replaced the Throttle Control Module (TCM)—which houses the fuel switches—in 2019 and 2023 as per Boeing’s maintenance standards. However, the airline did not inspect the locking mechanism of the fuel cutoff switches, a check recommended in a 2018 FAA advisory.
Air India stated that because the 2018 advisory was not mandatory, the recommended inspections were not performed.
Air India CEO cautions against premature blame
Air India CEO Campbell Wilson addressed the issue internally, stating that the probe’s early findings did not identify any definitive cause or fault. He urged staff and stakeholders to avoid premature conclusions as the investigation continues.
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If we go by the adage, “do not attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by incompetence”, then I am afraid we don’t have to look for answers outside India.