India Orders Inspections of Boeing Models Following Air India Crash
In response to the Air India crash, India mandates inspections of specific Boeing aircraft, focusing on fuel control switches, with findings due by July 21.
Overview
India and South Korea's aviation regulators have mandated inspections of certain Boeing models after the Air India crash that killed 241 people.
The inspections target Boeing 787 Dreamliners and select 737 variants, requiring airlines to report findings to regulators by July 21.
Preliminary crash reports indicated that fuel control switches were turned off, leading to the crash shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad.
Air India CEO confirmed no mechanical issues with the aircraft, prompting the inspection order for safety assurance across the fleet.
The Indian Commercial Pilots' Association urged caution against premature conclusions regarding pilot error in the crash investigation.
Analysis
The reporting appears neutral and objective by presenting a balanced account of the Air India crash investigation. Sources avoid loaded language, instead focusing on factual details from the preliminary report, the regulator's directives, and diverse perspectives from aviation experts, pilot associations, and the airline's CEO. This comprehensive approach allows readers to form their own conclusions without editorial influence.
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FAQ
The inspections target Boeing 787 Dreamliners and select Boeing 737 variants.
The preliminary investigation found that fuel control switches were moved to the 'cutoff' position moments before impact, starving both engines of fuel and causing a loss of engine thrust shortly after takeoff.
Fuel control switches on Boeing 787s have safeguards such as a metal lock and a guard to prevent accidental switching; these were introduced after incidents of unintentional fuel shutoff in older planes.
Inspections were ordered to ensure safety across the fleet following the crash and preliminary findings, since some advisory bulletins about switch locking features had not been mandated or fully implemented by airlines, including Air India.
The Indian Commercial Pilots' Association has urged caution against premature conclusions about pilot error in the investigation, emphasizing the need for thorough exploration of all causes.
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