Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner Involved in Ahmedabad Plane Crash

After a tragic incident involving an Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner that crashed shortly after takeoff in Ahmedabad, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has mandated enhanced safety inspections for the entire fleet of Boeing 787-8/9 aircraft operated by Air India. The crash, which resulted in 245 fatalities, has raised significant safety concerns, prompting immediate action to ensure the reliability of these aircraft. The DGCA’s directives include comprehensive checks and maintenance protocols aimed at preventing future accidents.

Immediate Safety Inspections Ordered

In response to the recent crash of flight AI 171, the DGCA has issued a directive requiring Air India to conduct thorough safety inspections on all Boeing 787 Dreamliners equipped with Genx engines. These inspections will be carried out in coordination with regional DGCA offices and are set to begin immediately. The directive specifies a series of checks that must be performed before any flight departs from India, starting from June 15, 2025.

The inspections will include monitoring fuel parameters, checking the cabin air compressor and associated systems, and conducting electronic engine control system tests. Additionally, operational tests for the engine fuel-driven actuator and a serviceability check of the hydraulic system will be mandatory. The DGCA has emphasized the importance of reviewing take-off parameters and implementing a ‘Flight Control Inspection’ during transit inspections until further notice.

Details of the Crash

The Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner was operating a flight from Ahmedabad to London when it crashed shortly after takeoff, just 425 feet into the air. The aircraft, which was 11 years old, tragically plummeted onto a medical college campus, leading to the loss of 245 lives, including passengers, crew members, and individuals on the ground. Eyewitness accounts and video footage captured the harrowing moments of the crash, which has since raised alarms about the safety of the Boeing 787 model.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who visited the crash site, confirmed that the fire resulting from the incident was fueled by approximately 125,000 liters of jet fuel, making survival nearly impossible for those on board. This incident marks a significant event in aviation history, as it is the first recorded accident involving a Boeing 787 Dreamliner since the aircraft’s commercial introduction in 2011.

Historical Context and Safety Concerns

Despite its reputation as one of the most reliable aircraft in the world, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner has faced scrutiny in the past. Notably, in January 2013, the U.S. aviation authority temporarily grounded the fleet due to safety concerns related to battery fires in two separate incidents in Japan. Operations resumed in April 2013 after Boeing implemented necessary modifications to the battery system.

Currently, there are 1,148 Boeing 787 variants operating globally, with an average fleet age of 7.5 years. Before the loss of flight AI 171, Air India’s fleet included 34 Boeing 787 aircraft. The recent crash has reignited discussions about the safety protocols and maintenance practices associated with this aircraft model, as the aviation community seeks to understand the factors that contributed to this tragic event.

Future Actions and Reporting Requirements

In light of the recent crash, the DGCA has outlined several immediate actions for Air India to undertake. These include conducting power assurance checks within two weeks and addressing any maintenance issues based on a review of repetitive snags observed in the past 15 days on the 787-8/9 aircraft. The results of these inspections and checks must be reported back to the DGCA to ensure compliance and enhance safety measures.

As investigations continue, the aviation industry is closely monitoring the situation, emphasizing the need for stringent safety protocols to prevent future tragedies. The commitment to passenger safety remains paramount as Air India and regulatory authorities work together to restore confidence in the Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet.

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