South Korea to inspect Boeing jet fuel switches after deadly Air India crash

 

South Korea is preparing to instruct all domestic airlines that operate Boeing aircraft to carry out inspections on specific fuel switch locks. This follows increased scrutiny over the safety of these components in the aftermath of a fatal crash involving an Air India Boeing 787-8 jet, which resulted in 260 fatalities.

The investigation into the crash revealed that fuel switches flipped from the run position to the cutoff position shortly after takeoff. However, the cause of this sudden change remains unexplained in the preliminary report. The situation has drawn attention to a 2018 advisory issued by the United States Federal Aviation Administration. This advisory had recommended inspections of the fuel cutoff switch locks to ensure they could not be moved accidentally. However, it was not mandatory, and many airlines, including Air India, did not conduct the suggested inspections.

The South Korean transport ministry confirmed that their actions align with this past advisory, though they have not yet specified a timeline for these checks. Meanwhile, Boeing redirected all inquiries to the FAA, which has not provided further comments.

Although Boeing and the FAA reportedly issued internal messages asserting the switches were safe and that inspections were not necessary, South Korea is opting for a more cautious approach in light of the tragedy. The plane involved had undergone throttle control module replacements in both 2019 and 2023, further complicating the investigation.

See also: China, ASEAN to submit upgraded free trade deal to leaders in October, says China's foreign minister

The crash of the Air India Boeing 787-8 has prompted renewed global focus on the safety of aircraft components, especially the fuel cutoff switch locks. These switches are located within the throttle control module, which had been replaced on the ill-fated aircraft twice in recent years. Despite those updates, the switches reportedly moved to the cutoff position right after takeoff, causing concern about the mechanism’s reliability.

The 2018 FAA advisory in question had only recommended voluntary inspections for certain Boeing models, including the 787 series. Since it was not a binding directive, many airlines, including Air India, chose not to act on it. However, this recent incident has caused regulators and airlines to revisit those earlier guidelines with a more serious outlook.

In an internal memo to staff, Air India’s CEO Campbell Wilson urged caution and patience, stating the investigation is still ongoing and that drawing conclusions now would be premature. His remarks emphasize the complex nature of aviation accident investigations and the need for factual findings before making policy or operational changes.

See also: Russian Drone Strike Hits Kharkiv Maternity Hospital, Forcing Mothers and Newborns to Flee

While Boeing and the FAA maintain that the fuel switches are safe, the incident has nonetheless raised questions about regulatory enforcement, manufacturer advisories, and how airlines interpret safety recommendations. South Korea’s proactive move to begin mandatory inspections, even in the absence of a new global directive, signals a growing trend of national aviation authorities taking independent safety measures to protect passengers and maintain confidence in aircraft operations.

As the final crash investigation report is still pending, further recommendations or mandatory directives from global regulators may follow. Until then, airlines and aviation bodies are likely to remain on high alert concerning the mechanical systems involved in this tragedy.