Fuel switches: Small levers with big responsibilities in aircraft safety

The recent Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner crash has brought renewed attention to a crucial yet often overlooked cockpit component — the fuel control switch. These switches, located just beneath the thrust levers, play a vital role in managing an aircraft's fuel supply and, by extension, its engines.

Also Read: ‘Why did You cut the fuel?’- AAIB report reveals cockpit confusion behind Ahmedabad Air India Incident

On aircraft like the Boeing 787, fuel control switches allow pilots to start or shut down engines during ground operations or emergencies. In the “RUN” position, fuel flows to the engines, enabling thrust and flight. Switching to “CUTOFF” halts the fuel supply, shutting the engine down immediately — a critical safety feature during malfunctions or fires.

Designed with safety in mind, these switches are spring-loaded and require an intentional pull-up action before changing positions. This mechanism prevents accidental shutdowns during flight. However, in tragic scenarios like the recent Ahmedabad crash, cockpit voice recordings reveal confusion, with one pilot reportedly asking, “Why did you cut off the fuel?” to which the other replied, “I didn’t.”

The investigation is ongoing, but the fuel control switch has become a central focus.