Air India Tragedy in Ahmedabad Raises Safety Alarms Over 787 Fleet

A Devastating Crash Shakes India’s Aviation Sector

A catastrophic plane crash involving an Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner has left over 240 people dead, triggering a comprehensive investigation focused on potential mechanical and operational failures. The aircraft, en route to London’s Gatwick Airport, crashed shortly after take-off, bursting into flames as it slammed into a residential area.

This tragedy stands as the deadliest aviation disaster globally in over a decade, prompting widespread shock, grief, and urgent calls for heightened safety measures in India’s aviation industry.

What Went Wrong During Take-Off

Eyewitnesses and CCTV footage confirmed that the aircraft began losing altitude just moments after lifting off from Ahmedabad’s airport. It struck buildings within minutes, igniting a fireball that engulfed a medical college hostel during peak lunch hours.

Initial investigations are zeroing in on possible failures involving the engine, wing flaps, and landing gear. Sources close to the probe revealed that the landing gear was inexplicably still extended during ascent, which may have contributed to the aircraft's instability. Issues related to engine thrust and flap configuration are also under review.

Authorities are also investigating potential lapses in aircraft maintenance. While no evidence of foul play or bird strike has been identified, anti-terrorism teams are also involved in the investigative process as a standard precaution.

Safety Checks Ordered on Boeing 787 Fleet

In response to the crash, India’s aviation regulator has mandated a fleet-wide safety audit of all Air India Boeing 787 aircraft. Air India operates more than 30 Dreamliners, including both 787-8 and 787-9 models.

Effective from midnight of June 15, the airline is required to:

Perform take-off parameter checks before every departure.

Introduce flight control inspections during transit maintenance.

Conduct engine power assurance tests within two weeks.

These measures aim to prevent recurrence of similar tragedies and restore public confidence in the Dreamliner fleet.

One Black Box Found as Search for Evidence Continues

Rescue teams have recovered the digital flight data recorder—one of the two black boxes—from the rooftop of a crash-damaged building. However, the cockpit voice recorder, which contains the final communication between pilots, remains missing. Its recovery is critical to understanding the events leading up to the crash.

Investigators from India, the United Kingdom, and the United States have arrived in Ahmedabad to support the probe, alongside technical experts from Boeing and GE Aerospace, the engine manufacturer.

Survivors and Ground Casualties

Only one passenger survived the crash. In addition to the onboard fatalities, at least 24 people on the ground—residents and students at the medical hostel—are believed to have been killed, though exact numbers are still being verified.

Local authorities conducted extensive search and rescue operations throughout the affected area, locating remains, personal belongings, and aircraft debris that may provide further insight into the crash.

Prime Minister Modi Visits Crash Site

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who hails from Gujarat, visited the crash site and met with several of the injured at local hospitals. Calling the scene “saddening,” he expressed condolences and emphasized that the government would leave no stone unturned in the investigation.

His visit underlined the gravity of the incident, not only for those personally affected but for the broader national consciousness.

A Turning Point for Air India and Tata Group

The aircraft involved in the crash was delivered to Air India in January 2014 and had first flown in 2013. Air India, now operated under the Tata Group since its acquisition in 2022, had recently merged with Vistara, a joint venture with Singapore Airlines.

Tata Group Chairman Natarajan Chandrasekaran addressed employees in a memo, affirming the company's full cooperation with investigators. “We want to understand what happened,” he stated, emphasizing transparency.

GE Aerospace Responds to Safety Review

GE Aerospace, manufacturer of the plane's GEnx engines, supported the regulator’s inspection directive. A spokesperson said, “Safety is our top priority, and we are committed to providing all necessary technical support to understand the cause of this accident.”

Passenger Demographics and Global Mourning

Among the 242 passengers on board were:

169 Indian nationals

53 British citizens

7 Portuguese nationals

1 Canadian citizen

Families from across the globe are now mourning loved ones lost in a tragedy that highlights the vulnerabilities even in modern aviation systems.

A Wake-Up Call for the Aviation Industry

Thursday’s crash was the first fatal incident involving a Dreamliner since the model began commercial flights in 2011. As the world awaits answers, the aviation industry is being reminded that rigorous maintenance and real-time diagnostics are more critical than ever.

As authorities continue their work, this incident is expected to reshape aviation safety protocols, regulatory oversight, and maintenance standards, not just in India but worldwide.