In response to the deadly Air India crash that killed at least 270 people, the Indian government has initiated urgent inspections of all Boeing 787 aircraft in the country. Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu announced that all 34 Dreamliner planes in India’s fleet—33 operated by Air India and one by IndiGo—are being thoroughly examined. This includes enhanced maintenance checks focused on the GEnx engines, electronic engine control, and fuel systems. So far, eight aircraft have already been inspected, and authorities are moving quickly to review the rest.
Officials Probe Mechanical Failures as India Faces Deadliest Air Crash in Decade
The government is exploring all potential causes of the crash, including mechanical and operational factors. Investigators are focusing on several anomalies, such as engine thrust irregularities, flap configurations, and the landing gear, which reportedly remained extended during takeoff. A government panel is expected to issue a report within three months. While the fleet has not been grounded yet, grounding remains an option under consideration depending on inspection findings.
India Launches Urgent Boeing 787 Inspections After Deadly Air India Crash Kills Over 270The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, en route to Gatwick Airport in the UK, crashed shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad on Thursday. It lost altitude and burst into flames after colliding with buildings, including the hostel of B.J. Medical College. The crash is being called the worst aviation disaster in a decade. Of the 242 passengers and crew on board, only one person survived, while the rest perished in the fiery crash. Recovery efforts have found at least 270 bodies so far.
Families Await Answers as Air India Faces Scrutiny and Emotional Toll Grows
The tragedy has left hundreds of families in agony as they await the identification and release of their loved ones’ bodies. Due to the severity of the crash and the fire, many victims’ remains are charred beyond recognition. Authorities are conducting DNA profiling and dental record matching to identify the deceased. Grieving families, like that of Rafiq Abdul Hafiz Memon, have expressed frustration over delays and a lack of clear communication from officials.
The incident casts a dark cloud over Air India’s efforts to rebuild its image following its takeover by the Tata Group in 2022. Chairman N. Chandrasekaran stated that the company is eager to understand the causes of the crash but lacks clarity at this stage. Meanwhile, the medical community, especially staff at B.J. Medical College, is reeling from the emotional toll of the disaster, as many of the victims were either staff or students. One unnamed doctor summed up the emotional devastation: “We are mentally disturbed because of the loss of friends and colleagues.”
