South Korea’s government announced plans to inspect all Boeing aircraft operated by domestic airlines, following the deadly crash of an Air India Boeing 787 8 jet last month that killed 260 people. The inspections will focus on fuel control switches—critical engine components now under global scrutiny.
The decision comes in light of a preliminary investigation report by India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), which revealed that both engine fuel switches on the ill-fated Air India Flight AI 171 were found in the “CUTOFF” position shortly after takeoff. This switch-off likely led to a dual engine failure and the tragic crash that claimed 241 lives on board and 19 on the ground.
Fuel Switches at the Center of Probe
The AAIB report highlighted a 2018 safety advisory issued by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), recommending—but not mandating—inspections of fuel cutoff switch locking mechanisms on Boeing models, including the 787 Dreamliner. The advisory warned of the potential for unintentional disengagement, though Boeing and the FAA have since reiterated their belief that the systems are safe.
However, South Korea’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport said it would proceed with inspections out of an abundance of caution. The ministry has not yet announced when the checks will begin, but confirmed they are aligned with the FAA’s earlier advisory.
Air India Had Not Performed Suggested Inspections
According to the AAIB’s preliminary findings, Air India did not carry out the optional inspections recommended by the FAA in 2018. However, maintenance records show that the aircraft’s throttle control module—which includes the fuel switches—was replaced in both 2019 and 2023.
Despite no reported mechanical faults in the days leading up to the crash, cockpit voice recordings reveal a tense exchange between pilots’ moments before impact. One pilot was heard questioning the other about shutting off the fuel supply; the response was a denial. The report clarified that while both pilots were well-rested and qualified, the cause of the fuel switches’ movement remains unclear.
Boeing and FAA Stand by Safety of Switches
In response to the report, Boeing referred queries to the FAA, which has so far declined to issue new directives. Internal communications reported by Reuters suggest that both Boeing and the FAA maintain that the fuel switch locks are safe and do not require additional inspections.
Still, South Korea is moving forward independently, becoming one of the first countries to act decisively on the matter. Aviation analysts believe other nations may follow if the investigation reveals broader safety concerns.
What We Know So Far About the Crash
Flight AI 171 was en route from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick on June 12 when it crashed shortly after takeoff.
The flight lasted only around 30 seconds, during which both engines lost thrust almost simultaneously.
The fuel control switches flipped from “RUN” to “CUTOFF” within seconds of lift-off, then back to “RUN”—an apparent recovery attempt by the pilots.
The aircraft’s engines could not recover in time due to low altitude, leading to the crash.
Investigators noted no weather, weight, or flap configuration issues, and fuel contamination from airport storage was ruled out.
Industry Experts Cast Doubt on Accidental Movement Theory
Aviation professionals argue that the accidental movement of the fuel switches is nearly impossible. The switches have physical protections, including side brackets and locking mechanisms that require deliberate lifting and toggling, usually done only during engine start-up or shutdown on the ground.
“The idea that both switches could flip mid-air without intent defies known cockpit procedures and engineering safeguards,” said a senior airline pilot who wished to remain anonymous.
Investigation Still Ongoing
Air India CEO Campbell Wilson urged caution against speculation, stating that the aircraft was airworthy and all required checks had been completed. He emphasized that the investigation remains open, and the airline is fully cooperating with authorities.
As of now, the AAIB has moved the wreckage to a secure facility, is conducting further technical analysis, and continues to collect additional data from black boxes, fuel samples, and stakeholder testimonies. The final investigation report is expected within a year.
While the AAIB’s initial report does not assign blame, the tragic incident has reignited global conversations about aviation safety, especially surrounding long-standing advisories that go unheeded. South Korea’s proactive stance could set a precedent for other regulatory bodies to re-examine optional safety bulletins before they become the focus of a catastrophe.
