New Delhi: Etihad Airways has advised its pilots operating Boeing 787 aircraft asking them to exercise extra care when handling fuel control switches. The move comes in response to findings from a preliminary investigation into the June 13 Air India crash in Ahmedabad, which killed 260 people, including 241 on board.

Etihad released a pilot bulletin on July 12-coinciding with the release of the Indian probe report-advising pilots to be cautious when operating the fuel control switches or any nearby cockpit controls. The directive is described as a preventive step taken “out of an abundance of caution.”, said a report in The Hindu. 

In addition to instructions to pilot, Etihad has also initiated a technical investigation into the fuel control switch systems used in its Boeing 787 fleet. Engineers have been asked to inspect the locking mechanisms of the switches and verify their proper engagement, based on detailed technical guidance from the airline.

The safety bulletin also instructs pilots to avoid placing loose objects near the cockpit pedestal where the switches are located to prevent accidental movement. Crews have been asked to report any anomalies immediately.

This internal directive follows a notification from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Boeing, which stated that the fuel control switches are not inherently unsafe and do not require an Airworthiness Directive. The FAA said the design, including the locking feature, is consistent across several Boeing models.

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) of India released its preliminary findings on July 12. The report revealed that both fuel switches on the Air India Boeing 787 shifted from ‘RUN’ to ‘CUTOFF’ within seconds after take-off, shutting down both engines. The cause remains under investigation, but cockpit recordings revealed one pilot saying, “Why did you cut off?”, to which the other replied, “I didn’t.”  Etihad’s steps reflect growing industry concern, even as regulators maintain the systems are compliant with safety standards.

(Written by Niswarth)