The Centre told Parliament that tests found no abnormality in the aircraft’s fuel control switch, while the AAIB continues its investigation into the Air India AI171 crash.
The Central Government has informed Parliament that no abnormality has been detected in the fuel control switch locking mechanism of the Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner involved in the AI171 crash. However, officials said the overall accident investigation remains ongoing, with further technical examinations still in progress.
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The update was provided by Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha.
Fuel control switch passes OEM inspection
According to the government, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) directed detailed testing of the aircraft’s fuel control switch locking mechanism at the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) facility in Seattle as part of continued airworthiness checks.
The minister said engineers conducted a comprehensive examination of the switch, including its locking detents and structural integrity.
The inspection concluded that no abnormality was found in the fuel control switch mechanism.
However, officials confirmed that examination of the aircraft’s complete Thrust Control Module is still underway at the OEM facility.
Government says investigation is not delayed
The Centre also rejected claims that the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) had delayed releasing its final investigation report.
Responding to questions raised in the Rajya Sabha, Murlidhar Mohol said investigations into major aviation accidents do not follow fixed timelines because they involve multiple technical, operational and forensic examinations.
He said the inquiry is progressing as planned and that investigators are examining all possible causes and contributing factors before finalising their conclusions.
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The government added that the final investigation report will be published on the AAIB’s official website after the probe is completed.
AI171 crash investigation continues
The Air India AI171 flight, operating from Ahmedabad to London, crashed shortly after take-off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on June 12, 2025.
The Boeing 787 aircraft struck a medical college hostel complex moments after departure.
According to official figures, 241 people onboard and 19 people on the ground lost their lives, while one passenger survived, making it one of India’s deadliest aviation disasters in recent years.
The accident prompted an extensive investigation involving Indian authorities, Boeing and international aviation experts.
Preliminary report raised fuel switch questions
A preliminary investigation released last year revealed that the fuel control switches of both engines moved from “RUN” to “CUTOFF” shortly after take-off, interrupting fuel supply and causing both engines to shut down.
Cockpit voice recordings also captured a brief exchange between the pilots in which one pilot questioned why the switches had been moved, while the other denied operating them.
The findings raised questions about whether the switches were moved manually or if another technical factor was involved.
The latest government statement clarifies that no defect has been identified in the fuel control switch locking mechanism, although the broader investigation into the crash remains ongoing.
Final report yet to be released
The Centre has not announced a timeline for the publication of the final AAIB report.
Officials said the report will be released only after investigators complete a comprehensive analysis of all technical evidence and determine the factors that led to the accident.
FAQ
What did the government say about the Air India crash investigation?
The government told Parliament that no abnormality was found in the aircraft’s fuel control switch locking mechanism after detailed testing at the OEM facility in Seattle.
Is the AAIB investigation complete?
No. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau is still examining all possible causes and contributing factors. The final report has not yet been released.
What happened in the Air India AI171 crash?
The Boeing 787 Dreamliner crashed shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad while operating a flight to London on June 12, 2025, resulting in 260 fatalities and one survivor.
Has the government announced when the final report will be released?
No. The government said the report will be published on the AAIB website once the investigation is fully completed.
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