The Boeing 787‑8 Dreamliner operating Flight with 4 Failures in 5 Months (AI‑171) from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick turned into a tragic disaster, crashing moments after take‑off and killing 241 passengers onboard and 28 people on the ground. Initial findings suggest technical failure linked to flap misconfiguration or thrust issues, both of which are now under intense investigation by aviation authorities.
Experts and Engineer Raise Alarms Over Safety
- Aviation experts pointed out early flap retraction while landing gear was still down, disrupting the aircraft’s lift during ascent.
- The 12-year-old aircraft had reported four separate technical issues in the past five months, prompting engineers and insiders to raise red flags about maintenance oversight and Boeing’s quality control.
- A company engineer reportedly questioned why repeated system failures were ignored, calling for deeper scrutiny into Dreamliner performance and Air India’s maintenance protocols.
A joint investigation is now being led by India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) along with the UK’s AAIB and the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). The probe will analyse the black box, flight data, and maintenance logs. Boeing and GE Aerospace, which manufactures the plane’s engines, are supporting the investigation.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and civil aviation authorities have expressed deep sorrow. Emergency services, including NDRF, CISF, BSF, and IAF responded within minutes at the crash site in the Meghani Nagar area, where the plane crashed into a hostel building of BJ Medical College.
Ground Impact and Rescue Efforts
The aircraft exploded into flames upon impact, leaving behind a trail of burnt debris and panic. Only one British national survived, reportedly ejected from the aircraft moments before the explosion. The rescue operation lasted for hours, with dozens still feared trapped beneath the rubble.
Summary
- Flight with 4 Failures in 5 Months: The Air India Dreamliner crashed shortly after take‑off from Ahmedabad; 269 people died.
- Suspected causes include flap malfunction and thrust loss, as well as past failure history.
- AAIB India is leading the probe with support from global aviation bodies and Boeing.
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