Dreamliner Fuel Switch Malfunction in London: New Clues for Air India Crash?

• A technical malfunction on an Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner (VT-ANX) at London Heathrow involved its left engine's fuel control switch slipping from 'run' to 'cutoff' twice during start-up.
• The incident, on February 2, 2026, occurred while preparing for flight AI-132 to Bengaluru; the switch failed to remain locked and moved with a slight push.
• This malfunction is significant as Air India had reportedly inspected these switches last year after the Ahmedabad tragedy, suggesting previous checks might have missed a systematic flaw.
• The London incident could drastically alter the investigation into the June 12, 2025, Air India flight AI-171 crash in Ahmedabad, which killed 260 people and where both fuel switches were found in the 'cutoff' position.
• Previously suspected as pilot error, the uncommanded switch movement in London provides concrete evidence of a potential technical flaw, shifting the focus of the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB).

Why It Matters: A Dreamliner fuel switch malfunction in London offers new evidence, potentially shifting the Air India crash investigation from pilot error to a technical flaw.