AI-171 Crash Investigation Continues with No Fault Found in Switch

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) in India has reported that there is no abnormality in the locking mechanism of the fuel control switch. This conclusion comes after extensive tests conducted at the facilities of the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) in Seattle. The investigations are part of the ongoing probe into the Air India AI-171 crash that took place in June 2025, resulting in the tragic loss of 260 lives.

In a session of the Rajya Sabha, Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol stated that the DGCA had initiated OEM-level testing of the fuel control switch due to airworthiness inspections following the aircraft's grounding in February 2026. The minister confirmed that a comprehensive assessment of the fuel control switch, including the structural integrity of its components, did not show any abnormalities.

However, inspections of the thrust control module are still in progress in Seattle. Minister Mohol refuted claims of delays in the final report by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), asserting that the investigation process is complex and cannot be rushed. He explained that the timeline for such investigations is influenced by several variables and that the process remains dynamic.

Mohol indicated that the investigation would examine all potential causes and contributing factors related to the crash. When asked about reports concerning pilot behaviour from some international media, the minister chose not to address specific allegations, reaffirming that all possibilities related to the accident are under scrutiny.

Once the investigation is concluded, the final report, detailing all findings, will be made available to the public on the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) website. The ongoing clarity surrounding the investigation processes aims to reassure stakeholders and the general public about the thoroughness with which these tragic incidents are being handled.