AI-171 Probe Enters Final Stage, No Fault Found In Fuel Switch: Centre

The government has said Boeing's examination of the Dreamliner's fuel control switch locking mechanism found "no abnormality", prompted by an Air India pilot's report of a possible issue following a London Heathrow-Bengaluru flight in February this year.

The functioning of the fuel control switch has since come under intense scrutiny after the crash of Air India Flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 bound for London Gatwick, moments after take-off from Ahmedabad on June 12. The crash claimed 260 lives and has triggered multiple investigations into the aircraft and its systems.

Responding to questions during the Monsoon Session of Parliament, the government said this was found following advanced testing by the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) . The response comes amid a crucial examination of the complete thrust control module that is still underway in Seattle.

The Ministry of Civil Aviation also told Parliament that the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau's (AAIB) final report has not been delayed, maintaining that investigations into major air crashes are an evolving process and that the AI-171 probe is now in its final stages.

Responding to questions in the Rajya Sabha, Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol said the tests were ordered by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) as part of continuing airworthiness checks after the aircraft type was grounded in February this year.

A detailed examination of the fuel control switch, including the structural integrity of its locking detents, "found no abnormality," he said.

"Inspection of the complete Thrust Control Module at the OEM's facility is underway," Mohol said, quoting the findings.

While the fuel control switch has been cleared of any defect so far, the examination of the complete thrust control module is still underway, with investigators awaiting the outcome of the ongoing inspection.

The government also dismissed suggestions that the AAIB had delayed its final report on the accident, saying that investigations into major air crashes do not follow a fixed timeline and that the inquiry is progressing in accordance with established investigation procedures.

"All probable causes and contributing factors leading to the accident are being investigated," the minister said in the House.

The government said the final investigation report, containing all findings of the probe, will be made public and uploaded on the AAIB's website once the investigation is completed.