The aviation world is reeling after the tragic crash of Air India Flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner en route from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick. The crash, which occurred shortly after takeoff on Thursday, June 12, 2025, has claimed the lives of 241 passengers and crew members, along with several people on the ground. The sole survivor, a British national named Vishwashkumar Ramesh, is currently recovering in a hospital.
The incident has immediately put Boeing under intense scrutiny, especially given the company's recent history with the 737 Max crashes in 2018 and 2019. While it is too early to determine the cause of the crash, the focus is now on the investigation and the potential implications for Boeing.
Investigation Underway
Indian authorities have launched a high-level multidisciplinary committee to investigate the causes of the crash, assess existing safety protocols, and propose enhanced guidelines for future incident management. The investigation is being supported by experts from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and British investigators.
A significant breakthrough in the investigation came with the recovery of the flight data recorder, commonly known as the "black box," from a rooftop near the crash site. The black box, which records flight data and cockpit audio, is expected to provide crucial insights into the events leading up to the crash. According to Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu, the recovery marks "an important step forward in the investigation" and will "significantly aid the inquiry into the incident." A second black box has also been recovered.
Investigators will be analyzing the data to determine if the crash resulted from a mechanical malfunction, engine failure, bird strike, onboard fire, or human error. The device will reveal information about the engine and control settings, in addition to what the voice recorder will show about the cockpit conversations.
Boeing's Response
Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg has cancelled his planned visit to the Paris Airshow, his first since being appointed to lead the company out of multiple crises. Ortberg expressed the company's "deepest condolences" to the families of the victims and stated that Boeing would fully support the investigation. GE Aerospace, the engine manufacturer for the Boeing 787, has also postponed an investor day and is sending a team to India to assist with the investigation.
The crash is another challenge for Boeing, which has been working to restore its reputation following the 737 Max crashes. The company recently reached an agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice to avoid criminal prosecution related to those incidents. Boeing's stock prices fell nearly 5% following the Air India crash.
Possible Causes and Concerns
While the investigation is ongoing, several theories have emerged regarding the potential cause of the crash. Some experts have speculated about the possibility of a rare double engine failure, while others suggest a lack of thrust or power during takeoff.
Concerns have also been raised about Air India's Boeing 787 fleet. India's aviation watchdog has ordered Air India to undertake extra safety checks on its Boeing 787-8 and 787-9 planes "as a preventative measure." These checks include inspections of fuel parameters, the cabin air compressor, the engine control system, the hydraulic system, and takeoff parameters. There was also an incident in August 2023, where an Indian Air 787 Dreamliner was forced to make an emergency landing shortly after takeoff at Mumbai airport.
Victim Identification and Compensation
Authorities are working to identify the remains of the victims, many of whom were burned beyond recognition. DNA testing is being conducted to assist in the identification process. Air India has established hotlines to assist families, and the Tata Group, which owns Air India, has announced a compensation of ₹1 crore (approximately $120,000 USD) for the family of each deceased passenger.
