Air India Flight 171 Crash Investigation
An independent investigation on June 6, 2026, suggested a software or electronic failure, not crew action, caused the fuel cut-off in the Air India Flight 171 crash, challenging preliminary findings by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB). As of June 6, 2026, the final AAIB report is anticipated in approximately one year, while the DGCA has ordered a detailed inspection of fuel control switches on an Air India Boeing 787-8 after pilots reported a left switch slipping from 'RUN' to 'CUTOFF' on February 2, 2026. Indian aviation authorities have directed Boeing to conduct tests on a fuel control switch at its Seattle facility, with DGCA officers observing in June 2026, following a pilot's report of a defect on a grounded Air India Boeing 787-8.
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June 2026 — 2 developments
Independent probe suggests software failure caused Air India Flight 171 fuel cut-off, challenging official findings.
An independent investigation suggests a software or electronic failure, rather than crew action, caused the fuel cut-off in the Air India Flight 171 crash. This challenges the preliminary findings by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), which had stated the fuel control switches moved to 'CUTOFF' without specifying the cause. The final AAIB report is anticipated in approximately one year.
Commuter trains resume service through Gelida 77 days after fatal derailment
Commuter trains have resumed running through Gelida on April 7, 2026, 77 days after a fatal derailment caused by a landslide. The incident resulted in the death of a trainee driver and injuries to 37 passengers. This marks a significant step in the restoration of services following the accident.
May 2026 — 4 developments
DGCA Orders Inspection of Air India Boeing 787 Fuel Switch After Incident
The DGCA has ordered a detailed inspection of fuel control switches on an Air India Boeing 787-8 after pilots reported the left switch slipping from 'RUN' to 'CUTOFF' and failing to lock on February 2, 2026. This incident, involving flight VT-ANX, prompted the regulator to pursue a higher-level inspection at the OEM facility despite initial assessments deeming the switch mechanically sound.
Indian Aviation Authorities to Observe Boeing's Fuel Switch Tests in June
Indian aviation authorities have directed Boeing to conduct tests on a fuel control switch at its Seattle facility, with DGCA officers set to observe the process in June 2026. This follows a pilot's report of a defect with the switch on a grounded Air India Boeing 787-8.
Air India Flights Experience Engine Fire Indication and Tailstrike Amidst Fuel Switch Investigation
An Air India flight from Bengaluru to Delhi made an emergency landing on May 21, 2026, due to an engine fire indication, while another flight experienced a tailstrike during landing. The airline is investigating the engine fire incident, which occurred as Indian aviation officials prepare to observe Boeing's testing of a fuel-control switch module.
India's DGCA to observe Boeing's fuel switch tests in US
India's Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) plans to send officials to the United States to observe Boeing's testing of a fuel-control switch panel. This action is linked to an incident involving an Air India Boeing 787-8 and the ongoing investigation into the fatal AI171 crash. The tests will examine the switch's response to external pressure or unusual handling.
April 2026 — 1 developments
DGCA attributes Air India Boeing 787 fuel switch issue to incorrect crew handling
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) clarified that a recent fuel switch issue on an Air India Boeing 787 was due to incorrect crew handling, not a mechanical fault. The regulator stated the switch did not latch correctly on the first attempt but functioned properly on a subsequent try. Air India has been advised to share Boeing's operating procedures for the fuel cut-off switch with its crews.
March 2026 — 1 developments
Air India Boeing 787-8 Diverts to Jeddah Due to Multiple System Warnings
An Air India Boeing 787-8 diverted to Jeddah on March 25, 2026, due to multiple system warnings, including auto-throttle disconnect and fuel jettison system fault, on a flight from Bengaluru to London. The aircraft had previously been under scrutiny, with the DGCA issuing a show-cause notice for operating it despite repetitive faults.
February 2026 — 12 developments
Indian Regulator Initiates Enforcement Against Air India Over Boeing 787 Technical Defects
India's civil aviation regulator has initiated enforcement proceedings against Air India following a substantial increase in technical defects across its Boeing 787 fleet. In January 2026, the airline reported 1.09 technical defects per 1,000 flights, a fourfold increase from the previous month, with overall technical incidents reaching a 14-month high. This action comes after a specific incident involving a potential fuel control switch defect led to an aircraft grounding.
Indian Regulator Clears Boeing 787 Fuel Switch Design, Rules Out Systemic Defect
India's civil aviation regulator has cleared the design of fuel control switches on Boeing 787 Dreamliners, ruling out a systemic defect. This decision concludes the investigation into the Air India flight that was grounded in Bengaluru after a pilot reported an issue with a fuel control switch during a flight from London.
Air India investigates crew procedures after Boeing departed London with fuel defect
Air India is investigating whether its crew followed all required procedures after a Boeing aircraft departed from London with a potential fuel-switch defect before being grounded in India. Britain's aviation watchdog has requested a comprehensive root-cause analysis and a preventative plan.
Indian Regulator Advises Air India on Boeing 787 Fuel Switch Procedures After Crew Concerns
India's aviation regulator is advising Air India to circulate recommended Boeing procedures for operating fuel cut-off switches on the 787. This follows concerns raised by the crew during a London Heathrow-Bengaluru service on February 1st, where the crew observed that one of the fuel-control switches did not operate correctly. The regulator's advice is a new step in addressing the potential defect.
DGCA advises Air India to reinforce Boeing fuel cut-off switch procedures
The DGCA advised Air India to reinforce Boeing-recommended procedures for the operation of the fuel 'CUT OFF' switch to its crew members.
Boeing contacts Air India regarding fuel control switch defect review
Boeing confirmed it was in contact with Air India and supporting their review of the matter concerning the fuel control switch defect.
Air India inspects Dreamliner fuel switches, escalates issue to Boeing
Air India initiated a precautionary fleet-wide inspection of fuel control switches on its Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner fleet. The airline stated that engineering had escalated the matter to Boeing for priority evaluation and that the impacted Fuel Control Switch module would be sent to the OEM for further checks.
DGCA finds grounded aircraft fuel control switches satisfactory, Boeing confirms pull-to-unlock force within limits
The DGCA stated that the fuel control switches on the grounded aircraft were checked and found to be satisfactory, with no abnormal engine parameters observed during the flight. The regulator also noted that Boeing had confirmed the switches' pull-to-unlock force was within limits.
Air India grounds Boeing 787-8 after pilot reports fuel control switch defect
Air India grounded a Boeing 787-8 aircraft on February 2, 2026, after a pilot reported a defect with the left engine's fuel control switch. The switch reportedly failed to remain locked in the 'RUN' position during engine start-up, moving towards 'CUTOFF', a malfunction that could lead to inadvertent engine shutdown. This issue is concerning as it mirrors a risk previously identified in relation to a past crash.
Air India grounds Dreamliner after pilot reports fuel cut-off switch malfunction at Heathrow
Air India has grounded one of its Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft after a pilot reported that a fuel cut-off switch failed to remain in the RUN position and moved towards CUTOFF. The incident occurred as the aircraft was preparing to depart from London Heathrow Airport bound for Bengaluru. The airline has initiated a precautionary fleet-wide inspection.
Air India grounds aircraft in Bengaluru after defect report, informs Boeing and DGCA
Air India confirmed that the aircraft involved in the February 1 incident was grounded in Bengaluru after landing. The airline informed Boeing and India's Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) about the reported defect.
Air India Dreamliner experiences fuel switch issue during engine start-up in London
An Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner (AI132) operating from London to Bengaluru experienced an issue during engine start-up where the left fuel control switch reportedly slipped from the 'RUN' to 'CUTOFF' position and did not lock. The issue was resolved on the third attempt, and the flight proceeded to Bengaluru.
January 2026 — 1 developments
AAIB probe into Air India Flight 171 crash leans toward deliberate pilot action
A source indicated that the AAIB investigation into the Air India Flight 171 crash was examining various aspects, including technical, operational, organizational, and human factors, with nothing ruled out. The probe was reportedly leaning towards deliberate pilot action as a possible cause.
July 2025 — 1 developments
India's AAIB reports Air India Flight 171 engines lost fuel supply on takeoff
India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) released a preliminary report on the Air India Flight 171 crash, stating that fuel supply to both engines was cut off within a second of takeoff.
June 2025 — 1 developments
Air India Flight 171 crashes after takeoff, killing 260
Air India Flight 171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad, India, killing 241 of the 242 people on board, plus 19 on the ground. The preliminary investigation indicated that the fuel-control switches in the cockpit moved from the 'run' to the 'cutoff' position, causing both engines to shut down.
January 2018 — 1 developments
FAA warns Boeing 787 fuel switches could malfunction, increasing engine shutdown risk
The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a Safety Alert for Operators (SAIB NM-18-33) warning that certain fuel control switches, including those on Boeing 787s, could malfunction, increasing the risk of accidental engine shutdown.