The crash of Air India Flight AI-171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad on Thursday, June 12, 2025, has sent shockwaves through the aviation industry and left investigators scrambling to determine the cause. The London-bound flight crashed into a residential area, killing all but one of the 242 people on board and several on the ground. While the investigation is in its early stages, aviation experts are offering possible explanations for the tragic event, while reiterating the Dreamliner's generally reliable safety record.

One prevailing sentiment among aviation experts is that the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, despite this incident, maintains a strong safety record. Prior to the Ahmedabad crash, the 787 had not experienced any fatal accidents since its introduction in 2011. This reputation has led many to view the crash as a potential anomaly, rather than an indictment of the aircraft itself.

Several potential reasons for the crash have been floated, ranging from mechanical failure to human error. One possibility under consideration is engine failure. Contact was lost with Flight AI171 just seconds after it took off, when it was at a low altitude. The two engines should have been working at maximum thrust to gain the speed needed to lift 242 people and a plane-load of fuel off the ground. But video shows the aircraft failed to climb. While the 787 is designed to fly with one engine, even at takeoff, experts suggest that other factors would have had to compound the issue for a crash to occur. Bird strikes affecting both engines simultaneously have also been mentioned as a remote possibility.

Another area of scrutiny involves the aircraft's control surfaces, specifically the flaps. Some experienced pilots have noted that, based on video evidence, the flaps did not appear to be in the correct position for takeoff. Incorrect flap settings could severely impact a plane's ability to generate lift, especially during the critical takeoff phase. Mistakes in the data could result in the wing flaps being set incorrectly, he added.

Investigators are also likely to examine the role of the pilots and the aircraft's computer systems. This includes verifying that the pilots were receiving accurate data from all onboard sensors and that there were no malfunctions within the avionics or electrical systems. Both pilots were experienced, with more than 9,000 flying hours between them.

The recovery of the flight data recorder (black box) is a crucial step in the investigation. The data from this recorder will provide a detailed record of the aircraft's performance, including engine parameters, control surface positions, and airspeed, potentially offering valuable insights into the chain of events that led to the crash.

In the wake of the Ahmedabad crash, India's aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), has ordered enhanced safety inspections for Air India's entire Boeing 787 fleet. These inspections are aimed at preventing any recurrence of the tragedy and reassuring the public about the safety of air travel. The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is also sending a team to India to assist in the investigation, and Boeing has pledged its full support to Air India and the investigative authorities.

The crash has understandably raised concerns about Boeing, which has faced increased scrutiny over safety and production quality following past 737 MAX crashes and other issues. Boeing is already facing controversies over safety and production quality following past 737 MAX crashes and other issues. The company has been dealing with the fallout from two 737 MAX crashes in 2018 and 2019 that killed 346 people, as well as more recent incidents like the door plug issue on an Alaska Airlines 737 MAX 9 in January 2024. Boeing whistleblower Ed Pierson spoke to NDTV on the Air India plane crash, mentioning the "chaotic manufacturing practices" at its production facilities. However, it's important to note that the 787 Dreamliner is a different aircraft than the 737 MAX, and until the investigation reveals the cause of the Ahmedabad crash, it would be premature to draw any direct comparisons.