Investigating Boeing 787 Airlines in India Following Emergency Signals
The investigation into the tragic crash of Air India flight AI171, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, which occurred on June 15, 2025, has been ongoing since the disaster claimed at least 270 lives. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) of India, with assistance from international agencies such as the UK's Air Accidents Investigation Branch and the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), is leading the investigation.
A preliminary report is expected to be released by July 11, 2025, providing initial insights into the crash. This report will comply with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards, which mandate filing within 30 days of a crash. The report will include details about the aircraft, flight crew, weather conditions, airport situation at Ahmedabad, and findings from the crash site.
In the meantime, investigators are focusing on three primary concerns: engine thrust performance, flap operation, and landing gear deployment. Air India has grounded the flight’s pilots and is cooperating with India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), which has mandated enhanced inspections of Air India’s Boeing 787 and 777 fleets following the incident. Additional inquiries are also ongoing related to maintenance and safety protocols.
The disaster has put a spotlight on Air India, its maintenance partners, and the broader state of aviation oversight in India. AirlineRatings CEO Sharon Petersen stated that modern aircraft like the 787 would not be able to take off if critical pre-departure parameters such as wing flap positions weren't correctly set.
Contact with the aircraft was lost immediately after the final MAYDAY call, which lasted just five seconds and indicated a catastrophic power and thrust loss shortly after takeoff. A bird strike has been largely ruled out. Anti-terror units are involved as part of standard protocol in major air disasters, although there is currently no indication of foul play.
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. The additional checks include specific assessments of take-off performance parameters, electronic engine control system tests, and detailed inspection of engine fuel systems.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation has announced the formation of 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.
The final and more comprehensive investigation report is expected around mid-September 2025, which will provide a more definitive explanation of the causes and recommendations to prevent future incidents. This ongoing investigation remains active, with authorities committed to uncovering the cause of the crash fully.
The airline industry and general news are abuzz with the ongoing investigation of Air India flight AI171's tragic crash, which has raised questions about aviation safety and transportation regulation in India. The disaster has led to enhanced inspections of Air India's Boeing 787 and 777 fleets, focused on engine thrust performance, flap operation, and landing gear deployment. Meanwhile, finance experts are closely watching the potential financial implications for Air India and the aviation sector. The Ministry of Civil Aviation has formed a high-level panel to thoroughly investigate the cause of the crash, reviewing maintenance practices, Standard Operating Procedures, and the broader regulatory framework in the transportation sector.
