Investigating Boeing 787 aircrafts following emergency signals
The investigation into the tragic crash of Air India flight AI171, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner that occurred on June 15, 2025, is underway. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) of India is leading the probe, with support from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board and the UK's Air Accidents Investigation Branch.
The final report is expected within three months. Key points about the investigation status and focus areas include:
**Black boxes recovered and analyzed:** Both the Cockpit Voice Recorder and Flight Data Recorder were retrieved from the crash site and are currently being analyzed to reconstruct the sequence of events and identify contributing factors.
**Unusual simultaneous engine failure:** Investigators are particularly focused on understanding why both engines failed simultaneously—a rare and unprecedented event described as "one in a billion." They are examining whether this was due to engine malfunction, fuel supply issues, or potential sabotage.
**Sabotage angle being explored:** For the first time, Indian authorities have officially stated that sabotage is one of the angles under investigation. CCTV footage and other evidence are being reviewed thoroughly.
**Other causes ruled out:** Early investigations ruled out a bird strike (no bird remains found) and a center-of-gravity or loading issue. Pilot error and simultaneous failure of both engines are considered unlikely but still examined with caution.
**Longer-than-normal takeoff roll noted:** The aircraft used almost the full length of the runway at Ahmedabad, which may be relevant to understanding the events leading to the crash.
**Air India's additional checks:** India's aviation regulator has instructed Air India to perform additional technical checks on its Boeing 787-8 and 787-9 aircraft equipped with GEnx engines. This includes specific assessments of take-off performance parameters, electronic engine control system tests, and detailed inspection of engine fuel systems.
**Investigation panel:** The Ministry of Civil Aviation has formed a high-level, multi-disciplinary panel to investigate the cause of the crash. The panel's mandate includes evaluating current Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), maintenance practices, and the broader regulatory environment.
**Fleet-wide inspection:** A fleet-wide inspection of Boeing 787 aircraft operating in India has begun, with eight aircraft already inspected.
The investigation centers on identifying why both engines lost power so quickly after takeoff and whether external factors like sabotage played any role. The data from black boxes and other forensic evidence will be crucial in determining the cause and preventing future incidents.
Airline news continues to circulate as the investigation into the Air India tragedy unfolds, focusing on the aviation industry, finance, and transportation sectors. The ongoing probe delves into various aspects, including potential sabotage and engine malfunction, and is expected to shape future safety protocols in the aviation industry.
