Air India on Monday revealed that it had grounded a Boeing 787-8 aircraft AI 132 heading from London to Bengaluru after one of its pilots reported a possible defect in the fuel control switch. More than 200 people were aboard the flight.
and the aircraft’s original equipment manufacturer is being involved to examine the concern on a priority basis.
Air India clarified that fuel control switches on all Boeing 787 aircraft in its fleet were inspected as per a directive by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and no issues were found. "At Air India, the safety of our passengers and crew remains top priority," the statement added.
This comes months after Air India flight 171 from Ahmedabad to London crashed on June 12 immediately after taking off. The tragedy killed 260 people on board the flight and on the ground.
The sources quoted by PTI revealed that upon landing in Bengaluru on Monday morning, the pilot recorded the defect in the log book, pointing out that the fuel switch slipped from 'run' to 'cut off'. The fuel switch was reportedly not getting locked in its position. The 'run' and 'cut off' options are used to start or shut down engines respectively.
Boeing said it has contacted Air India and is supporting the airline's review on the issue.
