Air India Crash: Fuel Control Switches Under Scrutiny
The FAA has determined the Air India Boeing 787 crash wasn't due to mechanical or fuel control issues. The investigation focuses on fuel control switches, which haven't shown faults per inspections. Preliminary insights suggest intentional fuel cut-off, but industry players assure the safety of Boeing's systems.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has preliminarily ruled out mechanical malfunctions as the cause of the recent fatal crash of an Air India Boeing 787 jet. Instead, the investigation is now focusing on the plane's fuel control switches, according to FAA administrator Bryan Bedford.
Following comprehensive tests and inspections by FAA staff, it was confirmed that the Boeing 787 jetliner's fuel control units did not exhibit mechanical issues or signs of inadvertent manipulation. The switches in question regulate the fuel flow to the aircraft's engines, critical for their start-up, shutdown, and emergency operations.
While the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau's preliminary report points to unexpected switch movements, resulting in engine power loss, Boeing and Air India have yet to comment. Despite these events, both the FAA and Boeing have reassured the aviation industry of the safety of these fuel control mechanisms.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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