In response to a catastrophic crash involving an Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner that killed at least 270 people, the Indian government has launched an urgent inspection of all Boeing 787 aircraft in its fleet. Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu confirmed that extended surveillance is being conducted on 34 Boeing 787s operating in India.
Eight aircraft have already been checked, with the remainder set to undergo immediate inspections. While the planes haven’t been grounded yet, government sources indicate that grounding remains a possibility under consideration.
Investigators Probe Technical Failures as India Orders Comprehensive Checks on Boeing 787 Fleet
India’s aviation regulator has mandated Air India to carry out additional maintenance checks on Boeing 787-8 and 787-9 models equipped with GEnx engines. These checks include detailed assessments of take-off performance, electronic engine control systems, and fuel system integrity.
Investigators are examining a wide array of factors that could have contributed to the crash, including engine thrust, flap deployment, and the malfunctioning of landing gear, which reportedly stayed open during takeoff.
The ill-fated flight, bound for London’s Gatwick Airport, began losing altitude seconds after takeoff from Ahmedabad and crashed into nearby buildings, including a hostel at B.J. Medical College.
Only one of the 242 people on board survived the crash, making it the deadliest aviation disaster in the past decade. Smoke and fire engulfed the area as rescue teams searched for survivors and recovered bodies. So far, at least 270 bodies have been retrieved from the wreckage.
Tata, Government Face Pressure as Victims’ Families Await Answers and Crash Probe Progress
Air India, recently acquired by the Tata Group in 2022, now faces renewed scrutiny over its fleet maintenance and safety protocols. Tata’s chairman has expressed the company’s commitment to uncovering the cause of the crash.
The Indian government has formed a panel to conduct a full investigation, with a final report expected within three months. Minister Naidu assured that safety enhancements would follow the panel’s recommendations but declined to answer further questions from the media.
Families of the victims are enduring emotional anguish as they await identification and release of the bodies, many of which were charred beyond recognition. DNA profiling and dental records are being used to confirm identities, with medical staff working tirelessly under emotionally taxing conditions.
Forensic dentists have begun matching dental charts of 135 victims, while distraught relatives voice frustration over delays and lack of information. The tragedy has deeply impacted the staff of B.J. Medical College, many of whom lost colleagues and friends in the crash.