A serious technical issue was reported on Air India flight AI-132 flying from London Heathrow to Bengaluru earlier this week. The pilot noticed a problem with the fuel control switch during the engine start process. This specific part failed to lock in the “RUN” position and kept slipping back. This incident has drawn immediate attention because a similar fault was linked to the major crash of flight AI-171 in June 2025. The aircraft was grounded immediately upon landing for safety checks.
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What exactly happened during the flight?
The incident occurred on February 1 while the plane was still at London Heathrow. During the start-up, the pilot reported that the left fuel control switch did not stay locked. It slipped towards the “CUTOFF” position twice with only light pressure. The crew managed to lock it successfully on the third attempt.
Before taking off, the pilots physically checked the switch to confirm it was fully latched. They decided to proceed with the flight but kept a close watch on the engine indications to avoid any risks. The flight landed safely in Bengaluru on February 2. Following this, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) inspected the switch. They stated that applying force in an incorrect direction can cause the switch to slip due to its design.
Investigation and link to past accident
Authorities are taking this very seriously due to the tragic history associated with this component. In the AI-171 crash last year, engines lost fuel supply right after takeoff. Air India has now removed the faulty switch from the current aircraft and is sending it back to the manufacturer, Honeywell, for detailed testing. The part was relatively new and had used less than 20% of its total lifespan.
The DGCA has instructed Air India to recirculate the official operating procedures from Boeing to all pilots. This will ensure that every pilot knows exactly how to handle these switches to prevent accidental slips.
Key Details of the AI-171 Crash (June 2025):
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Flight Route | Ahmedabad to London Gatwick |
| Incident | Crashed 32 seconds after takeoff |
| Primary Fault | Fuel switches moved to CUTOFF |
| Total Fatalities | 260 people |
| Insurance Claim | Approx. ₹4,000 crore ($475 million) |
