**Executive Summary**
This document addresses a news item concerning the reported malfunction of the fuel cut-off switch on an Air India Boeing B787-8 aircraft (VT-ANX) during a flight on 01.02.2026. It presents the findings of an investigation into the incident, which occurred during engine start in London. The document highlights the importance of using the Boeing-recommended procedure for operating the fuel cut-off switch and advises the airline to circulate this procedure to its crew members.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Incident Description:**
* On 01.02.2026, Air India flight AI 132 (London-Bangalore) experienced an issue where the fuel control switch did not remain latched in the "RUN" position on two occasions during engine start in London.
* The switch latched correctly on the third attempt and remained stable.
* The crew confirmed the switch was latched and monitored engine parameters and systems; the flight was completed without incident.
* **Investigation Findings:**
* Air India referred the matter to Boeing for guidance.
* Boeing-recommended checks revealed the switches were satisfactory when force was applied parallel to the base plate.
* Applying external force in an incorrect direction could cause the switch to move from RUN to CUTOFF due to the angular base plate design.
* The pull-to-unlock force was found within limits in all cases during inspections.
* **Procedure and Training:**
* Analysis of a circulating video demonstrated an incorrect procedure for operating the fuel cut-off switch.
* The airline is advised to circulate the Boeing-recommended procedure for the operation of the fuel cut-off switch to its crew members.
**Impact Analysis**
**Air India**
* **Impact:** Enhanced safety and operational efficiency by ensuring correct procedures are followed.
* **Action Required:** Circulate the Boeing-recommended procedure for operating the fuel cut-off switch to its crew members.
**Air India Crew Members**
* **Impact:** Required to adhere to Boeing's recommended procedures, not the incorrect procedure circulating on social media.
* **Action Required:** Familiarize themselves with and implement the Boeing-recommended procedure for operating the fuel cut-off switch.
Key Entities Referenced
Air India: The airline involved in the incident with a Boeing B787-8 aircraft VT-ANX.
Boeing: The aircraft manufacturer that provided guidance and recommended checks for the fuel control switch issue.
DGCA: The regulatory body whose officers were present during inspections of the fuel control switch.
Ministry of Civil Aviation: The governing body overseeing the aviation sector, issuing the rejoinder.
Ministry of Civil Aviation
Rejoinder on News Item relating to purported
malfunction of Fuel Cut Off Switch on M/s Air
India Boeing B787-8 aircraft VT-ANX
Posted On: 03 FEB 2026 5:27PM by PIB Delhi
On 01.02.2026, Air India B787-8 aircraft VT-ANX operated flight AI 132 (London- Bangalore). During
engine start in London, on two occasions crew observed that the fuel control switch did not remain
positively latched in the “RUN” position when light vertical pressure was applied. On the third attempt,
the switch latched correctly in “RUN” and subsequently remained stable. Before continuing with the rest
of procedure, a physical verification was performed by the crew to confirm that the switch was fully and
positively latched in the “RUN” position. No abnormal engine parameters, cautions, warnings, or related
system messages were observed during engine start or at any time thereafter. The operating crew member
was briefed on the observation, unnecessary contact with the switch was avoided, and engine indications
and alerting systems were closely monitored by the crew for the remainder of the flight. The flight was
completed without incident.
After landing at Bangalore, crew reported the defect in the PDR. Air India referred the matter to M/s
Boeing for further guidance. Based on the M/s Boeing recommended checks to establish the serviceability
of fuel control switch, M/s Air India engineering observed that:
“Both left and right switches were checked and found satisfactory, with the locking tooth/pawl fully
seated and not slipping from RUN to CUTOFF. When full force was applied parallel to the base plate,
the switch remained secure. However, applying external force in an incorrect direction caused the
switch to move easily from RUN to CUTOFF, due to the angular base plate allowing slip when pressed
improperly with finger or thumb.”
In addition, based on Boeing’s communication, the pull-to-unlock force was checked on the fuel control
switch using the recommended procedure on the involved fuel cut off switch, the fuel control unit to be
installed and fuel cut off switch of another aircraft. In all cases the pull-to-unlock force was found within
limits. These inspections were carried out in the presence of DGCA officers.
The video currently circulating on social media was analysed in light of Boeing recommended
procedures, and it was observed that the procedure demonstrated in the video being circulated is incorrect.
The airline is being advised to circulate the Boeing recommended procedure for the operation of Fuel
CUT OFF switch to its crew members.
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Divyanshu Kumar
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