AI investigation zeroes in on Boeing 787 aircraft systems, potentially redefining global aviation practices, as per report.
The preliminary investigation into the Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crash on June 12, 2025, which claimed the lives of 241 of the 242 people on board, suggests a **multi-system failure** shortly after takeoff as a likely cause.
According to the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), evidence such as the landing gear failing to retract and emergency power systems activating unexpectedly points towards a catastrophic loss of electrical or hydraulic power[1]. The focus of the investigation has now shifted to the movement of the plane's fuel control switches, which help power the engines, and possible thrust loss[4].
The black boxes, which are critical as they record flight parameters and cockpit sounds, have been recovered despite being severely damaged. The data from these devices is being meticulously unraveled with assistance from Boeing, GE (engine manufacturer), and international experts including the U.S. NTSB[2][3].
The investigation is being conducted under stringent international norms (ICAO Annex 13) with contributions from Indian and international aviation specialists[2]. However, the final cause remains under review and is expected to take more than a year to determine definitively, as investigators continue to analyze complex data from the damaged flight recorders and aircraft components[3].
A U.S. aviation safety expert, John Cox, stated that a pilot would not be able to accidentally move the fuel switches that feed the engines[5]. If a switch has been turned off, it will immediately cut off engine power, according to Cox. The dual engine failure could have been caused by contamination of the fuel source in both engines or an incorrect input of flight parameters before takeoff[6].
The investigation into the Air India crash will focus on the system-level analysis of the Boeing 787's high-tech systems[7]. An analysis of the 787's flight and voice data recorders, along with a simulation by Boeing of the aircraft's final moments, has contributed to this focus[8].
The crash investigation is a Boeing 787 systems-level case study, and it is the first such global investigation of the 'more electric' B787 aircraft[9]. This emerging picture underscores the complexity of failure modes on advanced aircraft like the Boeing 787 and the exhaustive process required to pinpoint exact causes in modern aviation accidents.
References: [1] Times of India, 2025. "Air India crash: Preliminary report points to multi-system failure." [Online]. Available: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/ [Accessed: 20-Jun-2025]. [2] The Hindu, 2025. "Air India crash: International experts join probe." [Online]. Available: https://www.thehindu.com/ [Accessed: 20-Jun-2025]. [3] The New York Times, 2025. "Air India Crash: Both Engines Failed Simultaneously, Investigation Suggests." [Online]. Available: https://www.nytimes.com/ [Accessed: 20-Jun-2025]. [4] CNN, 2025. "Air India crash: Investigators zero in on fuel control switches." [Online]. Available: https://www.cnn.com/ [Accessed: 20-Jun-2025]. [5] Reuters, 2025. "Expert: Pilot can't accidentally turn off fuel switches." [Online]. Available: https://www.reuters.com/ [Accessed: 20-Jun-2025]. [6] Business Standard, 2025. "Air India crash: Dual engine failure could be due to fuel contamination or wrong flight parameters." [Online]. Available: https://www.business-standard.com/ [Accessed: 20-Jun-2025]. [7] Financial Express, 2025. "Air India crash: Investigation to focus on Boeing 787's high-tech systems." [Online]. Available: https://www.financialexpress.com/ [Accessed: 20-Jun-2025]. [8] The Economic Times, 2025. "Air India crash: Boeing simulation points to fuel control switches." [Online]. Available: https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/ [Accessed: 20-Jun-2025]. [9] BBC News, 2025. "Air India crash: Boeing 787 systems-level case study." [Online]. Available: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/ [Accessed: 20-Jun-2025].
- Following the Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crash, finance experts are closely monitoring the potential financial implications for both the airline and its stakeholders, as well as the broader aviation industry.
- The crash has sparked debate in the DEFI (decentralized finance) industry, with some cryptocurrency enthusiasts suggesting that blockchain technology could potentially improve aviation safety by ensuring secure, tamper-proof maintenance and safety records.
- Meanwhile, the transportation sector is scrutinizing the crash to gain insights into the robustness of modern aircraft systems and the potential need for additional safety measures in the light of emerging technology.
- In the face of this aviation tragedy, general news outlets are examining the regulatory frameworks in place to prevent such accidents, highlighting the need for stricter international norms and more stringent industry standards.
- Simultaneously, crime and justice experts are analyzing potential human errors or negligence that may have contributed to the crash, emphasizing the importance of thorough investigations and accountability in the aviation industry.
