Did a 2018 Warning about Boeing Fuel Controls Play a Role in the Air India Crash?
A preliminary report into a recent Air India crash in Ahmedabad has brought to light a 2018 US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) bulletin that raised concerns about a potential issue with the fuel control switch on Boeing aircraft. This discovery raises questions about a possible connection between the earlier warning and the tragic incident.
The 2018 FAA Advisory: What it Said
The 2018 FAA bulletin warned of a potential problem with the locking mechanism of the fuel control switch. This issue could lead to unintended disengagement of the switch, potentially resulting in engine shutdown. Importantly, the FAA bulletin was advisory, not mandatory, meaning airlines were not required to perform inspections.
Connecting the Dots: The Air India Crash Investigation
Investigators are now working diligently to determine the cause of the Air India crash, with a focus on engine failure that appears to have occurred without any pilot input. The discovery of the 2018 FAA advisory regarding the fuel control switch raises the possibility that this pre-existing concern may have contributed to the tragic event. The investigation is ongoing, and more information is needed to draw definitive conclusions.
