Explained: What is a fuel control switch? How is it responsible for the Air India plane crash? Understand the whole thing

National News: Air India's Boeing 787-8 aircraft crashed within minutes of takeoff. There were 241 passengers on board the plane, and 33 people on the ground were also killed. A few seconds after takeoff, both engines suddenly stopped. The pilots were unable to restart them, and the plane crashed into a populated area. This switch works to supply fuel to the engine. Switching it on or off decides whether the engine will get fuel or not. If this switch does not work properly, the engines may stop. Initial investigation revealed that this switch was not able to supply fuel during the flight.

What did the AAIB report say?

AAIB, the agency investigating the accident, has in its first report put the fuel control switch under suspicion. According to the report, this switch may have been set in the wrong mode. Due to this, the engines could not get fuel, and both stopped. At present, the investigation is ongoing.

Did the pilot make a mistake?

Another big question is whether the pilot made a mistake. Some experts believe that the switch may not have been checked before takeoff. Some say that it could also be a technical fault. The recording of the black box is still being examined so that the truth can be revealed.

Why is the matter so serious?

If a small switch can take the lives of 274 people, then this is a very serious matter. This shows how costly even a small mistake can be. Now airlines will have to check such switches more carefully than before. Questions have also been raised on Boeing.

What will be the changes in security?

Now, organizations like DGCA can make the inspection process of this switch stricter. This can also be mentioned in the training of pilots. Air India has also started an internal audit. This accident has become a warning for the aviation industry around the world. Boeing will also have to answer.

What will happen next in this case?

The investigating agencies are dismantling the fuel control system and examining each wire and circuit. It will take some time for the final report of the accident to come. The role of the pilots, technical error, and the negligence of the company—a detailed investigation is going on on all three points. The families are hopeful of getting justice.