Following the tragic crash of Air India Flight 171 in Ahmedabad on Thursday, Indian aviation authorities have launched comprehensive inspections of Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft in operation. The directive comes from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) in the wake of the accident, which killed 241 of the 242 people onboard and also caused casualties on the ground after the plane crashed into a residential area near the airport.
The DGCA has ordered Air India to perform enhanced safety checks on its Boeing 787-8 and 787-9 fleets, particularly those equipped with General Electric (GE) GEnx engines. These checks are to be implemented with immediate effect and coordinated with regional DGCA offices. The regulator has clarified that there is no grounding of the Boeing 787 fleet at this time.
According to the DGCA notification, the additional maintenance actions include a one-time inspection before departure for flights leaving India starting June 15, 2025. These inspections cover a range of critical systems, including fuel parameter monitoring, cabin air compressors, electronic engine control systems, engine fuel-driven actuators, hydraulic systems, and a review of takeoff parameters. Furthermore, "Flight Control Inspection" is to be introduced in transit inspections until further notice, and power assurance checks are to be carried out within two weeks. The DGCA has also instructed Air India to promptly address repetitive snags identified in the last 15 days on the Boeing 787-8/9 aircraft. A report on these inspections must be submitted to the DGCA for review.
Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu announced on Saturday that eight Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft had already undergone inspection and that the government is proceeding with a comprehensive surveillance initiative encompassing all 34 Dreamliner aircraft currently operating in the Indian fleet.
The Air India Flight 171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, was bound for London when it crashed shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad. The aircraft, approximately 12 years old, impacted a locality near the airport, resulting in a devastating scene.
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has launched a formal investigation into the crash, with assistance from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the British Air Accidents Investigation Branch. The flight data recorder (black box) has been recovered, which is expected to provide crucial insights into the cause of the accident. The investigation is focusing on various factors, including the engine, flaps, and landing gear.
Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg has offered full support to Air India and confirmed that a Boeing team stands ready to assist the investigation. Ortberg has cancelled his visit to the Paris Airshow. GE Aerospace, the engine manufacturer, has also postponed an investor day and is sending a team to India to analyze data from the crashed aircraft.
The crash has raised concerns about the safety of Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft. The model has faced years of safety-related scrutiny. In 2024, John Barnett, a former Boeing quality manager, was found dead under suspicious circumstances after long voicing concerns about the 787. Barnett had alleged that Boeing cut corners to meet production deadlines, including installing inadequate parts. He also claimed that testing revealed a 25-percent failure rate in the aircraft's emergency oxygen systems.
Despite previous incidents and concerns, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner had maintained a relatively strong safety record until this recent crash. The ongoing investigation and the enhanced safety checks are aimed at identifying any potential issues and ensuring the continued safety of the fleet.
