India ordered the inspection of fuel supply switches equipping the Boeing aircraft registered on its soil, after the questioning of this device by the investigation into the B-787 Air India accident last month.
In a first report published on Saturday July 12, the Indian Office of Investigation into Air Accidents (AAIB) indicated that the kerosene power supply of the two reactors of the aircraft was interrupted just after its takeoff of Ahmedabad.
This switches from the switches caused a sudden loss of power of the two engines of the plane, which fell on buildings near the airport, causing 260 dead.
The AAIB document has not yet been drawn or pointed out any responsibility.
The cockpit conversations recorder revealed that one of the pilots had asked the other “Why he cut fuel supply” and that the latter had answered “that he did not do it”, However, the AAIB said.
A human error, according to two pilot associations
If his report did not recommend any immediate measure, his parent company, the General Directorate of Civil Aviation (DGCA), ordered Monday evening to check these devices on several types of Boeing, including 787 and 737.
“The DGCA noted that several operators, both abroad and India, have already ordered inspections on their devices”she explained in a press release.
In 2018, the American Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) published an information note on “The potential disengagement of the locking function of the fuel control switch” On some Boeing, including 787.
Air India informed the Aaib that she had not made an inspection because this measure was only “recommended and not compulsory”.
In a letter addressed to its employees on Monday, the CEO of the company, Campbell Wilson, warned against “Any premature conclusion” On the causes of the disaster.
Two associations of Indian line pilots, for their part, rejected the preliminary report of the investigators, believing that he suggested a human error.
