DGCA orders inspection of Boeing aircraft fuel control switches by next week
#News Bureau July 15,2025
Ahmedabad Plane Crash: Why is India now emphasizing inspections of fuel control switches in Boeing aircraft, based on a 2018 advisory by the US Federal Aviation Administration? Here’s what the DGCA has ordered.
India’s civil aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), on Monday issued an order mandating an immediate inspection of fuel control switches in all Boeing aircraft operating in the country. This directive follows the preliminary investigation into the recent crash of Air India flight AI171 in Ahmedabad, which has raised concerns regarding the functioning of the fuel control switches.
Cockpit voice recordings revealed that the aircraft’s fuel supply shut off moments before the crash. In one recording, a pilot can be heard asking the other, “Why did you shut the fuel off?” to which the reply was, “I didn’t.” This discovery has prompted the DGCA to act swiftly, directing all Indian airlines to complete the inspection and submit their reports by July 21.
The DGCA’s directive comes in the wake of the June 12, 2025, crash of an Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner in Ahmedabad. Preliminary findings indicate that just seconds after takeoff, fuel supply to both engines was suddenly cut off, causing the plane to crash into the hostel premises of a medical college. Investigators found that the fuel control switches had shifted from the “Run” to the “Cutoff” position, leading both engines to shut down.
Fuel Control Switch Issue First Flagged in 2018 FAA Bulletin
The issue of the fuel control switch was first highlighted in 2018 by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) through a Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin (SAIB NM-18-33). The bulletin warned that the locking mechanism in the fuel control switches of several Boeing aircraft models could potentially become disengaged. This locking system is designed to prevent accidental movement of the switch, which could otherwise lead to in-flight engine shutdowns.
However, the advisory was non-binding, and many airlines, including Air India, did not proactively follow up with inspections at the time.
DGCA’s Directive
In its recent order, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) stated:
“It has come to notice that several international and domestic operators have initiated inspection of their fleet as per the FAA’s SAIB dated 17 December 2018. Therefore, all concerned aircraft operators are advised to complete the required inspection under SAIB NM-18-33 by 21 July 2025.”
The DGCA has also asked operators to submit their inspection plans and post-inspection reports to the respective regional DGCA offices. It emphasized that the deadline must be strictly followed to ensure airworthiness and operational safety related to the fuel control switches.
Applicable Aircraft Models and Airlines in India
This directive applies to several Boeing aircraft models, including the 737, 747, 757, 767, 787, MD-11, and MD-90 series. In India, airlines such as Air India, Air India Express, Akasa Air, SpiceJet, and IndiGo operate aircraft from these model families.
While the FAA and Boeing stated on July 13 that the fuel switch locks in Boeing aircraft are safe and do not require an immediate airworthiness directive, the DGCA has nonetheless made inspections mandatory for all affected aircraft operating within India.
Fuel Control Switch Issue First Flagged in 2018 FAA Bulletin
The issue of the fuel control switch was first highlighted in 2018 by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) through a Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin (SAIB NM-18-33). The bulletin warned that the locking mechanism in the fuel control switches of several Boeing aircraft models could potentially become disengaged. This locking system is designed to prevent accidental movement of the switch, which could otherwise lead to in-flight engine shutdowns.
However, the advisory was non-binding, and many airlines, including Air India, did not proactively follow up with inspections at the time.
DGCA’s Directive
In its recent order, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) stated:
“It has come to notice that several international and domestic operators have initiated inspection of their fleet as per the FAA’s SAIB dated 17 December 2018. Therefore, all concerned aircraft operators are advised to complete the required inspection under SAIB NM-18-33 by 21 July 2025.”
The DGCA has also asked operators to submit their inspection plans and post-inspection reports to the respective regional DGCA offices. It emphasized that the deadline must be strictly followed to ensure airworthiness and operational safety related to the fuel control switches.
Applicable Aircraft Models and Airlines in India
This directive applies to several Boeing aircraft models, including the 737, 747, 757, 767, 787, MD-11, and MD-90 series. In India, airlines such as Air India, Air India Express, Akasa Air, SpiceJet, and IndiGo operate aircraft from these model families.
While the FAA and Boeing stated on July 13 that the fuel switch locks in Boeing aircraft are safe and do not require an immediate airworthiness directive, the DGCA has nonetheless made inspections mandatory for all affected aircraft operating within India.
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