In brief
Air India has taken precautionary measures by grounding a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner after a pilot raised concerns about a possible defect in the fuel control switch. The airline has notified the Indian aviation regulator and is currently reviewing the situation in collaboration with Boeing. This decision comes as an investigation is ongoing regarding a previous crash involving the same model aircraft, prompting heightened attention to its safety protocols.
Air India has grounded a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner jet after one of its pilots reported a possible defect in the aircraft's fuel control switch.
The airline said in a statement on Monday that it had informed India's aviation regulator about the issue and that it was getting the pilot's concerns checked on a priority basis.
We are in contact with Air India and are supporting their review of this matter, a Boeing spokesperson said in response to an email.
The grounding comes amid an ongoing investigation into a plane crash last June involving an Air India aircraft of the same model which killed 260 people.
The airline did not specify the nature of the issue flagged by its pilot or details of the flight. However, reports indicate that the defect was flagged after the plane landed in Bengaluru, having taken off from London.
Last year's tragic crash occurred shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad airport. Investigations revealed that the plane's engines shut down after its fuel switches moved unexpectedly to the 'cut off' position.
India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is currently examining the details of the crash, with a final report expected soon.
Following the investigation, the U.S. aviation regulator stated that fuel control switches in Boeing airplanes were safe, yet concerns remain in India, prompting government directives for inspections of Boeing 787 and 737 aircraft operating in the country.
Air India stated that after inspections ordered by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, it found no issues with the locking mechanism of the fuel control switches in its fleet.
