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While the preliminary report on the AI-171 crash has narrowed the likely cause to the aircraft’s engine fuel control switches, it does not raise concerns about the equipment itself. The switches, manufactured by US-based Honeywell, were previously flagged by the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in 2018 for a potential fault in the switch locking mechanism. Although the FAA had recommended certain inspections, they were not made mandatory due to “limited data” to warrant an airworthiness directive (AD).
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The initial probe report released by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) revealed that the June 12 crash of the Boeing 787-8 aircraft occurred after both engine fuel control switches moved from ‘RUN’ to ‘CUTOFF’ position in quick succession shortly after takeoff.
“At this stage of investigation, there are no recommended actions to B787-8 and/or GE GEnx-1B engine operators and manufacturers,” the report said. The aircraft’s GEnx engine was manufactured by GE Aerospace.
The fuel control switches
The report identifies the part number of the fuel control switch as 4TL837-3D, which is manufactured by Honeywell, according to a Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin (SAIB) issued by the US FAA in 2018. The SAIB flagged potential disengagement of the fuel control switch locking feature on some Boeing aircraft, and is referenced in the AAIB report released earlier today.
“The fuel control switch design, including the locking feature, is similar on various Boeing airplane models including part number 4TL837-3D which is fitted in B787-8 aircraft VT-ANB (AI-171). As per the information from Air India, the suggested inspections were not carried out as the SAIB was advisory and not mandatory,” the initial probe report said.
Honeywell is the manufacturer behind the engine fuel control switches for most Boeing models, including the 737, 747, 767, and the 787 Dreamliner involved in the Ahmedabad crash last month, according to the SAIB.
“If the locking feature is disengaged, the switch can be moved between the two positions without lifting the switch during transition, and the switch would be exposed to the potential of inadvertent operation. Inadvertent operation of the switch could result in an unintended consequence, such as an in-flight engine shutdown,” the SAIB said.
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The AI-171 initial crash report stated that after fuel supply to the engines was cut off using the fuel control switches, the aircraft began to lose altitude. “In the cockpit voice recording, one of the pilots is heard asking the other why did he cutoff. The other pilot responded that he did not do so,” it said.
According to the report, a representative from the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and technical advisors from Boeing, GE, and the FAA assisted in the investigation. “A team led by the NTSB Accredited Representative comprising of representatives from Boeing, GE and FAA arrived at Ahmedabad on 15.06.2025 and participated in the Investigation,” it said.
Boeing to continue supporting probe
In a statement on the report, Boeing President and CEO Kelly Ortberg said the company will continue to provide all support required for the probe. “I have spoken with Air India Chairman N. Chandrasekaran to offer our full support, and a Boeing team stands ready to support the investigation led by India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau,” Ortberg said.
Honeywell and GE Aerospace have not yet issued an official statement.
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The 787 Dreamliner, Boeing’s best-selling wide body passenger jet, is the company’s second-most scrutinised aircraft after the 737 MAX, which has faced multiple groundings following fatal crashes and technical issues. Yet despite the intense oversight, especially in early years, the Dreamliner had maintained a largely safe record – until Air India flight 171 crashed near Ahmedabad airport, killing 241 people and leaving one survivor.
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