The Union Government informed Parliament that advanced Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) testing in Seattle has found no mechanical fault or abnormality in the fuel control switch locking mechanism of the Air India Flight AI-171 aircraft that crashed last year. Responding to queries in the Rajya Sabha during the Monsoon Session, Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol confirmed that the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) ordered the rigorous inspections as part of airworthiness checks following the June 12, 2025 tragedy, which claimed 260 lives shortly after the Boeing 787-8 departed Ahmedabad for London Gatwick. Preliminary findings had established that the loss of engine thrust occurred when both fuel control switches unexpectedly moved from the “RUN” to “CUTOFF” position three seconds after takeoff. With testing proving that the locking mechanism operated as designed without mechanical failure, investigators are narrowing their focus toward human factors, cockpit actions, and flight data, while a detailed analysis of the aircraft’s broader thrust control module remains underway in Seattle. Rejecting claims of procedural delays, the Ministry of Civil Aviation stated that the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is entering the final stage of its probe, with a draft final report expected by October that will be published on the AAIB website upon completion.
Government Clears Fuel Switch Mechanism of Defect in Air India AI-171 Crash Investigation as Final Report Nears Completion
