India, Feb. 2 -- Air India on Monday admitted a possible defect in the fuel switch of its Boeing 787-8 aircraft flying on the London to Bengaluru route, and said it had now grounded the aircraft.

The fault brings back memories of the June 12 plane crash of Air India Flight 171 from Ahmedabad to London that resulted in 260 deaths. The investigation report of the crash had pointed to a similar situation.

"We are aware that one of our pilots has reported a possible defect on the fuel control switch of a Boeing 787-8 aircraft. After receiving this initial information, we have grounded the said aircraft and are involving the OEM to get the pilot's concerns checked on a priority basis," the carrier said in a statement.

The airline said that ...