Air India Crash Investigation: Boeing, FAA Reassure Fuel Switch Safety

In the wake of the tragic Air India Flight 171 crash, both Boeing and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have affirmed the safety of fuel switch locks on Boeing aircraft. This statement comes in response to India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) preliminary report, which raised questions about the possibility of accidental activation of the fuel switches leading to engine failure.

FAA Finds No Need for Airworthiness Directive

The FAA issued a notification stating that the current fuel control switch design does not necessitate an Airworthiness Directive. This signifies that the FAA does not currently believe there is a design flaw requiring mandatory corrective action across the Boeing fleet.

Ongoing Investigation Seeks to Determine Cause of Crash

While the initial concerns about the fuel switches have been addressed by Boeing and the FAA, the investigation into the Air India Flight 171 crash is still ongoing. Investigators continue to analyze all available data to definitively determine the cause of this devastating accident.