Air India AI-171 Crash Investigation Concludes Fuel Switch Functioning Normal

The investigation into the tragic crash of Air India flight AI-171, which resulted in the loss of 260 lives last year, is nearing its conclusion. The Indian government has reported to Parliament that no abnormalities were detected in the fuel control switch's locking mechanism. During the Monsoon Session, Murlidhar Mohol, the Minister of State for Civil Aviation, stated that comprehensive testing conducted by the aircraft's Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) confirmed the integrity of the fuel control switch and its locking system. This finding is crucial as it addresses one of the potential factors that could have contributed to the accident. Mohol emphasized that a thorough examination of the fuel control switch, including its structural integrity, revealed no defects or irregularities, which is a significant development in the ongoing investigation. The tests were initiated by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) as part of routine airworthiness checks following the grounding of the aircraft type in February this year.

Despite the positive findings regarding the fuel control switch, Mohol mentioned that a comprehensive inspection of the entire Thrust Control Module is still in progress at the OEM's facility located in Seattle. Investigators are currently awaiting the results of this detailed examination, which may provide further insights into the circumstances surrounding the crash. The government has also addressed concerns regarding the timeline of the investigation, firmly rejecting claims that the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has been slow in producing its final report. Mohol clarified that investigations into significant air accidents are complex and do not adhere to a predetermined schedule, as they evolve based on the emergence of new evidence. He assured that all possible causes and contributing factors leading to the tragic incident are being meticulously examined.