The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Boeing have assured that the fuel switch locks on Boeing planes are safe, following last month's deadly crash of a Boeing 787-8 that killed 260 people.
The FAA issued a notification on July 11, dismissing concerns raised in an initial investigation report. The FAA confirmed that the design of the fuel cutoff switches, including the locking feature, was not unsafe and did not warrant any further action, including an Airworthiness Directive.
Is Boeing deflecting from its own poor record? Amid reports of planted leaks, including in western media on fuel control switches in bid to blame pilots of AI 171, experts say AI Captains in fact followed BOEING SOP for dual engine failure. In full here https://t.co/LOWksNCSZ2 pic.twitter.com/JLYejyTfaw
— barkha dutt (@BDUTT) July 10, 2025
The crash investigation, led by India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), highlighted a 2018 FAA advisory recommending — but not requiring —inspections of the fuel switches. Air India, the airline involved, had not completed the suggested checks.
In response to the ongoing probe, ALPA India, which represents Indian pilots, called for a fair inquiry and urged the inclusion of pilots in the investigation. U.S. safety experts also supported this request.
