Why did a Boeing 787 with a reported fuel switch defect depart London?
Aviation News Editor & Industry Analyst delivering clear coverage for a worldwide audience.
UK CAA seeks urgent explanation from Air India after a Boeing 787 with a reported fuel switch defect flew from London, warning of potential regulatory action.
Key Takeaways
- •UK CAA issued a formal warning to Air India on February 3, demanding a full explanation within one week for a Boeing 787-8 (VT-ANX) departing London with a reported fuel switch defect.
- •The incident has intensified scrutiny of the Boeing 787 fuel control switch design, which is a central focus of the ongoing investigation into a fatal Air India 787 crash in June 2025.
- •The DGCA, while advising Air India to reinforce pilot procedures, had previously ruled out a malfunction in a separate January 1 incident on the same aircraft, attributing it to external force.
- •Air India grounded the specific aircraft and completed precautionary re-inspections of fuel control switches across its entire Dreamliner fleet, reporting no issues found.
Britain's aviation regulator, the UK Civil Aviation Authority (UK CAA), has formally requested an explanation from Air India after one of its Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft departed London Heathrow Airport (LHR) despite a pilot reporting a possible defect with a fuel control switch.
The aircraft, a Boeing 787-8 (VT-ANX), was operating flight AI132 from London to Bengaluru. It was grounded immediately upon arrival in India for safety inspections. The UK CAA, in a letter dated February 3, warned Air India that regulatory action could be initiated. This action would be against the airline and its entire Boeing 787 fleet if a complete response is not submitted within one week.
Regulatory Scrutiny and Fleet Checks
The UK CAA's intervention highlights serious concern over the aircraft's departure from a UK airport. The regulator requested a detailed account of maintenance actions. They also sought a root-cause analysis and a preventive plan. Air India confirmed the pilot's report of a possible defect. The airline stated the aircraft was immediately grounded. They are working with the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), Boeing, to check the concerns.
Air India also noted that it had already completed precautionary re-inspections of the fuel control switches (FCS) across its entire 787 fleet. These checks were done following a directive from the country's regulator. The airline reported that no issues were identified during those earlier checks.
DGCA's Findings and Pilot Procedure
The Indian aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), has also weighed in. Regarding the London incident, the DGCA noted the crew observed the switch did not remain latched in the 'run' position twice. The switch reportedly latched and remained stable on the third attempt. The DGCA advised Air India to circulate recommended procedures. This is to ensure pilots strictly follow the correct operating procedures for the fuel cut-off switches.
Separately, the DGCA issued a rejoinder on an earlier incident involving the same aircraft, VT-ANX, on January 1. The regulator clarified that an external force was applied in the wrong direction. This action resulted in the switch moving from 'RUN to CUTOFF'.
Historical Context and Pilot Concerns
The incident has brought renewed focus on the Boeing 787 fuel switch design. The Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP) President, Captain CS Randhawa, urged a full investigation. He cited repeated incidents involving the uncommanded movement of fuel control switches. Captain Randhawa noted this was the third known incident of its kind on a Boeing 787.
This issue is particularly sensitive due to its link to a fatal Air India 787-8 crash in June 2025. The preliminary inquiry into that crash found both fuel cut-off switches moved to the 'cut-off' position shortly after takeoff. The circumstances of that movement remain unexplained. Crew members denied any deliberate action to cut the fuel supply. The London incident, where the switch did not latch, adds complexity to the ongoing crash investigation.
Air safety experts suggest the London event shows uncommanded switch behavior is a credible failure mode. This places earlier claims of Dreamliner safety checks and fleet clearance under scrutiny. The switches are designed with a locking mechanism. Pilots must lift the switch slightly to override this lock. This prevents inadvertent movement between the 'run' and 'cut-off' positions.
Air India has affirmed that the safety of its passengers and crew is a top priority. The airline will respond fully to the UK CAA's request. The outcome of the CAA's inquiry and the DGCA's ongoing investigation will be crucial. It will determine the necessary actions for aviation safety procedures across the global 787 fleet.
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Written by Ujjwal Sukhwani
Aviation News Editor & Industry Analyst delivering clear coverage for a worldwide audience. Covers flight operations, safety regulations, and market trends with expert analysis.
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