FAA Advisory on Fuel Cutoff Switches

In 2018, the Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) issued an advisory regarding the potential malfunction of fuel cutoff switches in aircraft. These switches, when worn out, could move without any applied force. The advisory recommended that these switches be checked and replaced if necessary. However, the recommendation was for an on-condition change, meaning replacements were only suggested if wear was visibly detected.

Expert Opinion on Air India Crash

Group Captain Aurobindo Handa (retired), former director general of the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), has expressed concerns over the lack of mandatory changes to these switches. Speaking to NDTV, he emphasized that a more proactive approach should have been taken, akin to the stringent measures observed in the Air Force regarding ejection seats and engines.

Details of the Air India Dreamliner Incident

The preliminary investigation report by the AAIB into the Air India Dreamliner crash in Ahmedabad revealed that both engines shut down mid-air shortly after take-off. The fuel cutoff switches moved from ‘RUN’ to ‘CUTOFF’ within seconds, leading to a loss of thrust. Cockpit voice recordings captured one pilot questioning why the cutoff occurred, with the other denying any manual intervention.

Call for Better Decision-Making

Group Captain Handa highlighted that it is rare for both switches to malfunction simultaneously without external force. He criticized the decision not to mandate switch replacements following the FAA’s advisory. He suggested that a collaborative decision-making process involving senior pilots could have led to better outcomes.

Transparency and Accountability

The former AAIB chief praised India’s civil aviation leadership for releasing the preliminary report, acknowledging its importance for transparency and providing closure to victims’ families. The crash resulted in significant loss of life, with only one passenger surviving out of 241 onboard and additional casualties on the ground.

Awaiting Further Investigation

While questions about accountability remain, Group Captain Handa advised patience as investigations continue. He urged against speculation until more evidence is gathered over the coming months.