DGCA Orders Boeing Jet Checks After Crash

• DGCA orders urgent checks on fuel control switches in all Boeing aircraft operated by Indian carriers.

• Action follows June 12 Air India Dreamliner crash linked to possible fuel switch malfunction.

• Airlines have until July 21 to complete inspections and submit findings.

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 14th July: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has directed all domestic airlines operating Boeing aircraft to urgently inspect fuel control switches, following alarming findings from a preliminary report on the June 12 crash of an Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner.

The DGCA’s directive, issued on Sunday, mandates that airlines complete checks on all affected aircraft by July 21 and submit detailed reports. The move comes amid rising safety concerns after the report suggested fuel control switches—which regulate the flow of fuel to engines—may have inadvertently shifted from ‘RUN’ to ‘CUTOFF’, effectively shutting down engine thrust seconds after takeoff from Ahmedabad airport.

The tragic crash, which occurred just 32 seconds into flight, raised questions about the integrity of key flight control systems on Boeing jets, particularly those meant to be immobile unless operated intentionally by pilots. Investigators suspect a malfunction or mechanical anomaly caused the sudden fuel cut-off, leading to the crash.

The DGCA has not grounded any aircraft as of now but emphasized “proactive safety inspections” as critical to preventing future incidents.

Boeing has yet to issue a global technical advisory, though sources say U.S. aviation regulators are monitoring developments closely.