UK Regulator Seeks Explanation From Air India Over Dreamliner Switch Issue
India’s aviation watchdog says inspections found no mechanical fault after London-Bengaluru flight incident
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The UK’s aviation regulator has sought an explanation from Air India after a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner operating a London-to-Bengaluru flight departed Heathrow despite a reported fuel control switch anomaly, even as India’s watchdog said it found no mechanical fault.
The Civil Aviation Authority asked the airline to explain why flight AI132 was allowed to take off on February 1 after pilots observed that the left engine’s fuel control switch did not remain latched in the “RUN” position during engine start. The regulator also requested details of the maintenance actions taken to confirm the aircraft’s airworthiness.
The aircraft, registered VT-ANX, experienced the issue during two initial engine-start attempts at Heathrow, when light pressure caused the switch to move toward “CUTOFF.” The switch latched correctly on the third attempt and the flight proceeded to Bengaluru, where the aircraft was later grounded for precautionary inspections.
India’s aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, said its inspection found no mechanical defect in the fuel control switches.
In a statement, the DGCA said inspections and functional tests were carried out in line with Boeing-recommended procedures and showed the switches operated within prescribed limits.
The regulator said the switch could move from “RUN” to “CUTOFF” if pressure was applied at an incorrect angle, but remained secure when operated as designed. It added that no abnormal engine parameters, cautions or warnings were recorded during engine start or at any point during the flight.
DGCA officials were present during inspections that included force measurements on the affected switch, a replacement unit and a comparable switch from another aircraft, the regulator said. Boeing engineers reviewed the issue and prescribed the inspection protocol followed by Air India.
The DGCA has asked the airline to reiterate proper fuel control switch handling procedures to pilots. The UK regulator’s review is continuing.
