Aircraft Inspections Initiated on Boeing 787s Following Distress Signal
In a significant development, India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau has released a preliminary report on the tragic crash of Air India flight AI171, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, which occurred on June 15, 2025, claiming at least 270 lives.
The catastrophic crash, which took place less than a minute after takeoff from Ahmedabad, has placed the operational protocols of Air India under intense scrutiny. The incident has also sparked a comprehensive safety review across the country’s Dreamliner fleet.
According to the preliminary report, both engines ceased functioning almost simultaneously due to the engine fuel control switches being shifted from 'run' to 'cutoff' mid-flight. Cockpit voice recordings captured confusion among pilots about who operated the switches, with one pilot questioning why fuel was cut off, and the other denying responsibility.
The crash, which resulted in the loss of 241 passengers and 19 people on the ground, is under thorough investigation involving Indian authorities, with assistance from the U.S. and U.K. Boeing and General Electric, the manufacturers of the aircraft and engines respectively, are cooperating but are limited in their public comments while the probe continues.
In response to this, India’s aviation regulator has ordered inspections of fuel control switches on all Boeing aircraft operating in the country to prevent future occurrences. Air India itself is inspecting all 33 Boeing 787 Dreamliners in its fleet; about half of its 787s and nearly all its 737s have been checked so far, with no faults found to date. Other countries, such as South Korea, have also announced similar inspections due to the renewed safety concerns triggered by this incident.
Air India’s CEO clarified that the preliminary report found no mechanical or maintenance issues with the aircraft or engines. All mandatory maintenance was completed, fuel quality was normal, and pilots had cleared all medical and alcohol tests before the flight. However, speculation about human error, including possible pilot actions, has been met with strong objections from pilots’ associations warning against unfounded insinuations.
The investigation is ongoing with a focus on the fuel control switch design and cockpit procedures. Airlines worldwide are reacting proactively by inspecting Boeing fleets for similar vulnerabilities. Further detailed findings and the final investigation report are expected as the inquiry progresses.
[1] The Indian Express, July 11, 2025 [2] The Hindu, July 12, 2025 [3] Business Standard, July 13, 2025 [4] Korea Times, July 15, 2025
- The aviation industry, particularly the transportation sector, is closely monitoring the ongoing investigation of Air India flight AI171, with many airline news sources reporting on the incident's impact on Dreamliner planes and Boeing aircraft in general.
- The financial implications of this tragedy are also being scrutinized, as the accident has the potential to affect the confidence of passengers and investors in the aviation industry, possibly leading to significant financial losses for Air India and its competitors.
