• Source:JND
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Air India crash: The Indian aviation watchdog Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has ordered the inspection of the Fuel Control System of all Boeing and other aircraft in operation in the country.

The measure by the DGCA came after the 15-page Preliminary Information Report on the Air India Plane Crash on July 12, revealed that the fuel switches had moved to cut off within a second after takeoff from Ahmedabad Airport.

In its directive, the DGCA said, "(US) Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a 'special airworthiness information bulletin' (SAIB) on December 17, 2018, regarding the potential for disengagement of the fuel control switch locking feature on Boeing Company Model 717-200 airplanes; Model 737-700, -700C, -800, and -900ER series airplanes; Model 737-8 and -9 airplanes; Model 747-400, -400D, -400F, -8, and -8F series airplanes; Model 757-200, -200CB, -200PF, and -300 series airplanes; Model 767-200, -300,300F, -400ER, and -2C series airplanes; Model 787-8, -9, and-10 airplanes; Model MD-11 and MD-11F airplanes; and Model MD-90-30 airplanes."

ALSO READ: 'No Evidence Of Mechanical, Maintenance Issue': Air India CEO On AAIB Initial Report On Ahmedabad Plane Crash

The audio from the cockpit revealed one pilot asking why he turned the fuel switches off, to which the other replied he didn't do it.

While the conclusive final report will be released after a thorough investigation, the preliminary report has hinted at fuel switches as key factor behind the tragedy in which 260 people lost their lives. The DGCA has directed the airlines to mandatorily complete the inspection by July 21.

After the preliminary report was released, a 2018 US Federal Aviation advisory surfaced, which flagged fuel control switches as a potential issue on Boeing aeroplanes.

ALSO READ: Ahmedabad Plane Crash: US Regulator Flagged Fuel Switch Issue On Boeing Aircraft In 2018; Here's How Air India Responded

What US FAA Flagged In Boeing Planes?

-In 2018, the US FAA issued Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin (SAIB), NM-18-33, in which it flagged potential problems with the fuel control switches' locking mechanisms on Boeing aircraft.

-The bulletin came after reports that these switches were installed with their locking features disengaged on some Boeing 737s.

-These locking features of the switches help to prevent inadvertent or mistaken movement of the switches. When the locking feature is disengaged, as it was reported in some Boeing 737s, the switches can be moved even by vibration, inadvertent touch, or other factors.

-Considering it as an advisory, the FAA did not take it seriously to issue a mandatory directive.