Why Must Every Boeing 787 Be Grounded for Electrical Fault Checks?
Aviation News Editor & Industry Analyst delivering clear coverage for a worldwide audience.
Air India grounded a Boeing 787-8 after a fuel switch defect; the Federation of Indian Pilots demands a fleet-wide grounding to check for recurring electrical faults.
Key Takeaways
- •Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP) demands a full grounding of all Boeing 787 aircraft for urgent electrical system checks.
- •The call follows the grounding of an Air India 787-8 after a pilot reported a fuel control switch defect, mirroring a key focus of the fatal AI171 crash probe.
- •FIP cites recurring issues, including the risk of water seepage into the electronic bay and a 2019 dual engine rollback incident on an ANA 787.
- •Air India has notified the DGCA and is engaging Boeing, the OEM, for a priority inspection of the grounded aircraft.
The President of the Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP), Captain CS Randhawa, called for urgent inspections of all Boeing 787 aircraft. This demand follows a recent incident. An Air India pilot reported a possible defect in a fuel control switch, leading to the immediate grounding of a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner.
Captain Randhawa insists that all B-787s must be grounded. He argues this is necessary to check for electrical system faults. This recurring issue, he stated, seriously compromises flight safety.
Recurring Safety Concerns
The FIP's call is directly linked to the ongoing investigation of the fatal Air India Flight AI171 crash. That B-787-8 went down near Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025, killing 260 people. The preliminary report showed both engine fuel control switches moved to the 'CUTOFF' position shortly after takeoff.
Randhawa stated the fuel control switches may have moved automatically. This was possibly due to an electrical malfunction of the Thrust Control Management Apparatus (TCMA). The latest incident occurred during engine start at London Heathrow. The left fuel control switch reportedly failed to lock in the 'RUN' position. Instead, it moved toward 'CUTOFF'.
Water Seepage Risk
Another major concern highlighted by the FIP is water seepage into the main electronic bay. This can cause severe electrical malfunctions. Randhawa cited a June 12, 2025, incident where an Air India flight was declared Aircraft on Ground (AOG) in Vienna. This was due to flooding in the electrical bay.
The Precedent: ANA Flight NH-985
The pilots' body also pointed to a prior international incident. On January 17, 2019, an All Nippon Airways (ANA) Boeing 787-8 suffered a dual engine rollback. The incident occurred at Osaka Itami Airport (ITM) after landing. Both Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engines shut down while the crew deployed thrust reversers. This event, which involved a similar aircraft type, reinforces the FIP's concerns about the Boeing 787 electrical faults.
Regulatory and Industry Response
Air India confirmed the grounding of the aircraft (registration VT-ANX). The airline is working with the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) to inspect the pilot's concerns. The matter has been communicated to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
Air India stated that prior fleet-wide checks, following a DGCA directive, found no issues. However, the latest malfunction raises serious questions. The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) had previously issued a Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin (SAIB). This bulletin warned of potential issues with the fuel control switch locking mechanism on B-787s.
Safety advocates are urging the DGCA for an urgent regulatory review. This review should determine if the issue is isolated or a fleet-wide concern. A fleet-wide issue could necessitate a mandatory Airworthiness Directive (AD).
- The FIP demands a full grounding and check of all Boeing 787 electrical systems.
- The immediate cause is a fuel control switch defect on an Air India B-787-8.
- The issue mirrors concerns from the deadly AI171 crash investigation.
- Water seepage into the electronic bay is cited as a major risk factor.
flying.flights provides comprehensive commercial aviation news covering airlines, aircraft, and airports.
Discover how innovation is shaping aviation through aircraft systems, avionics, and digital tools at flying.flights/technology.
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.
Visit ProfileYou Might Also Like
Discover more aviation news based on similar topics
FAA Mandates Replacement of Certain Safran PBEs Due to Failure Risk
The FAA has issued an airworthiness directive mandating the replacement of certain Safran PBEs due to a manufacturing flaw that can block oxygen flow.
GCAA Suspends Two Controllers After Loss of Separation Incident in Guyana
Guyana's GCAA has suspended two air traffic controllers after a United and Turpial Airlines flight came within five miles, half the required separation.
American Airlines 737 MAX Shows Bullet Holes After Colombia Flight
Colombian authorities are investigating an American Airlines 737 MAX after bullet holes were found post-flight in Miami, likely from its landing in Medellín.
Air India Sees Technical Incidents Spike Fourfold in January
Air India recorded a fourfold rise in technical incidents to 1.09 per 1,000 flights in January, prompting intensified regulatory scrutiny and new inspections.
AOG Technics Founder Jailed for Global Fake Aircraft Parts Fraud
AOG Technics founder Jose Yrala was jailed for selling 60,000 fake jet-engine parts, causing nearly £40 million in damages to the global airline industry.
Airlines Resume Puerto Vallarta Flights as Jalisco Security Stabilizes
Mexican authorities report Jalisco security has stabilized, allowing airlines to resume flights to Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara after cartel violence.