FAA and Boeing Confirm Safe Fuel Switch Locks
The US Federal Aviation Administration and Boeing have indicated that the fuel switch locks on Boeing planes are safe. A document seen by Reuters and confirmed by four sources stated that this notification has been issued privately.
FAA’s Notification After Boeing 787-8 Crash
The FAA’s Continued Airworthiness Notification on July 11 comes as a response to a preliminary report into a recent Boeing 787-8 crash that resulted in the loss of 260 lives. The incident raised concerns about the engine fuel cutoff switches.
The notification conveyed to Civil Aviation Authorities underscored the similarities in the fuel switch design across various Boeing models. Despite this, the FAA does not deem this issue as a safety concern necessitating an Airworthiness Directive for any Boeing aircraft models.
Reactions from FAA and Boeing
When approached for comments, both the FAA and Boeing reiterated the safety of the fuel switch locks. Boeing communicated the same stance to airlines through a recent Multi-Operator-Message, indicating no recommended actions to be taken.
Report from India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau
The preliminary investigation report from India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau referred to a 2018 FAA advisory. The advisory suggested inspections of the fuel cutoff switches’ locking feature for several Boeing models, including the 787, to prevent accidental movements.
The report highlighted Air India’s non-compliance with the suggested inspections due to the advisory not being a mandate. It further confirmed adherence to all applicable airworthiness directives on the aircraft and engines.
Statement from ALPA India
ALPA India, representing Indian pilots, dismissed claims of pilot error and demanded a fair investigation. They emphasized the need for pilots to be part of the inquiry process as observers.
In a communication, ALPA India referenced the 2018 FAA advisory, indicating a potential equipment malfunction in the fuel control switch gates.
Final Moments of the Flight
The cockpit voice recorder captured one pilot questioning the fuel cutoff, denied by the other pilot. The fuel switches were noted to have switched from run to cutoff nearly simultaneously after takeoff, with no explanation yet on how this occurred mid-flight.
Expert Opinions
US safety experts supported ALPA India’s request to be included in the investigation without indicating a bias towards pilot error in the initial report. John Cox, a former ALPA representative, commended the objectivity and fairness of the AAIB’s report.
