Air India Crash Investigation Focuses on Boeing Fuel Switch: What the FAA Knew
A recent Air India crash has brought the Boeing fuel cutoff switch under intense scrutiny. Investigators are focusing on this component, prompted by a 2018 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) advisory.
The 2018 FAA Advisory: A Closer Look
The advisory, issued in 2018, warned Boeing operators about a potential issue with the locking mechanism of the fuel cutoff switches. It highlighted the risk of unintentional movement of the switch, which could lead to serious consequences. While the FAA recommended inspections, it did not mandate any specific actions at the time.
Did the FAA Do Enough?
The advisory now raises questions about whether the FAA’s response was sufficient. Investigators are exploring if the lack of mandatory action contributed to the Air India incident. This investigation aims to understand the full role of the fuel switch in the crash and whether more decisive action by the FAA could have prevented the tragedy.
