India’s aviation safety regulator has indicated that an incorrect operating procedure, rather than a mechanical failure, may have contributed to the fuel control switch issue reported on an Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner earlier this month.
Following an initial examination of the incident involving aircraft VT-ANX, the directorate general of civil aviation (DGCA), says it found that the 'apparently correct procedure' was not followed while operating the fuel control switch. The regulator has advised Air India to ensure that flight crew strictly adhere to Boeing-recommended procedures while handling the switch.
DGCA, in a rejoinder posted on X, says, "On 1 February 2026, Air India B787-8 aircraft VT-ANX operated flight Al 132 (London- Bangalore). During engine start in London, on two occasions crew observed that the fuel control switch did not remain positively latched in the 'RUN' position when light vertical pressure was applied. On the third attempt, the switch latched correctly in 'RUN' and subsequently remained stable. Before continuing with the rest of the procedure, a physical verification was performed by the crew to confirm that the switch was fully and positively latched in the 'RUN' position. No abnormal engine parameters, cautions, warnings, or related system messages were observed during engine start or at any time thereafter. The operating crew member was briefed on the observation, unnecessary contact with the switch was avoided, and engine indications and alerting systems were closely monitored by the crew for the remainder of the flight. The flight was completed without incident."
The incident occurred when Air India flight AI 132, operating from London Heathrow to Bengaluru, encountered an anomaly during engine start in London. The aircraft, carrying more than 200 passengers, subsequently completed the long-haul flight and landed in Bengaluru on 2nd February without any incident.
DGCA is also expected to examine other aspects of the episode, including whether the aircraft should have been grounded at London Heathrow instead of being cleared to operate the flight to India.
As per the flight crew’s account, the regulator says, during engine start at Heathrow, the fuel control switch on the left engine did not remain positively latched in the ‘RUN’ position when light vertical pressure was applied on two occasions. On the third attempt, the switch latched correctly and remained stable thereafter.
Before proceeding further, the crew carried out a physical verification to ensure that the switch was fully and positively locked in the ‘RUN’ position. No abnormal engine parameters, cautions, warnings or system alerts were observed during engine start or at any point during the flight.
After landing in Bengaluru, the crew recorded the issue in the aircraft’s pilot’s defect report (PDR), noting that the fuel switch had slipped from ‘RUN’ to ‘CUT OFF’ and was not locking as expected.
In a detailed rejoinder issued on Tuesday, the Union ministry of civil aviation (MoCA), citing findings from Air India’s engineering checks conducted in the presence of DGCA officials, says the fuel control switches were found to be fully serviceable.
Based on Boeing-recommended inspections, Air India engineering teams examined both the left and right fuel control switches and found that the locking tooth or pawl was fully seated and did not slip from ‘RUN’ to ‘CUTOFF’ when operated correctly.
“When full force was applied parallel to the base plate, the switch remained secure. However, applying external force in an incorrect direction caused the switch to move easily from RUN to CUTOFF, due to the angular base plate allowing slip when pressed improperly with finger or thumb,” the ministry said in its statement.
The pull-to-unlock force of the fuel control switch was also tested using Boeing’s prescribed procedure on the affected switch, on a replacement fuel control unit and on the fuel cut-off switch of another aircraft. In all cases, the measured force was found to be within specified limits, the statement added.
DGCA also examined a video circulating on social media that purportedly demonstrated the alleged malfunction. After reviewing it against Boeing’s operating guidance, the regulator concluded that the procedure shown in the video was incorrect.
In light of the findings, the regulator advised Air India to circulate Boeing’s recommended operating procedure for the fuel cut-off switch to all crew members, reinforcing correct handling practices.
Meanwhile, in an unrelated aviation incident, the wingtips of two Airbus A320 aircraft operated by Air India and IndiGo came into contact at Mumbai airport on Tuesday evening.
The Air India aircraft was stationary on a taxiway awaiting departure, while the IndiGo aircraft was taxiing after landing on a parallel taxiway. Both aircraft have been grounded for inspections and all passengers are safe.
Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the ground incident at one of the country’s busiest airports.
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