Air India Grounds London-Bengaluru Flight After Fuel Control Switch Fault Detected

<p>A technical snag forced Air India to ground Flight AI-132 on Monday after a potential fault was detected in the fuel control switch of a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner. The aircraft was scheduled to operate from London to Bengaluru when a pilot reported the issue during pre-flight checks. The airline said it immediately withdrew the aircraft from service and began a detailed inspection, underlining that passenger and crew safety remains its top priority.</p> <h2>Airline Responds, DGCA Informed</h2> <p>In a statement, Air India said a possible malfunction was flagged in the fuel control switch, prompting the aircraft to be grounded while further checks are carried out in coordination with the original equipment manufacturer.</p> <p>The airline confirmed it has informed India&rsquo;s aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). It added that, on the regulator&rsquo;s directions, inspections had already been conducted across its entire Boeing 787 fleet, with no systemic issues found.</p> <p>&ldquo;Safety of our passengers and crew is always our highest priority,&rdquo; the carrier said, stressing that precautionary action was taken as soon as the report surfaced.</p> <h2>Switch Failed To Stay In &lsquo;Run&rsquo; Mode</h2> <p>According to a press note circulated by Safety Matters Foundation, the crew of aircraft VT-ANX observed that the left engine&rsquo;s fuel control switch failed to remain locked in the &ldquo;run&rdquo; position during engine start-up, instead drifting towards &ldquo;cut-off&rdquo;.</p> <p>The note warned that under specific conditions, such a fault could potentially lead to unintended engine shutdown during flight-making immediate grounding essential.</p> <h2>Echoes Of Ahmedabad Crash Investigation</h2> <p>The incident comes months after a fatal Air India crash near Ahmedabad, where fuel switch malfunction was cited as a key factor. In its findings, the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) said both engines on the Ahmedabad-London service lost fuel flow shortly after take-off, causing a loss of thrust.</p> <p>Cockpit recordings revealed confusion between pilots over whether the switches had been turned off, while investigators also noted a sensor issue detected before departure.</p> <p>Air India said it continues to cooperate fully with regulators and manufacturers as investigations proceed, reiterating that enhanced monitoring remains in place across its wide-body fleet.</p>

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