Tragic Boeing 787 Crash in Ahmedabad: Investigation Underway

Boeing 787-8 Crash Overview

On June 12, a Boeing 787-8 aircraft en route from Ahmedabad to London tragically crashed shortly after takeoff, landing in the grounds of a medical college. This incident resulted in the loss of 241 lives, including passengers on board and students on the ground. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is currently conducting an investigation into the crash.

High-Level Meeting to Address Air India Crash

Civil Aviation Minister K. Ram Mohan Naidu is set to lead a crucial meeting in Ahmedabad to evaluate the investigation into the Air India flight AI171 accident and review comprehensive aviation safety protocols. This meeting, the first of its kind following the disaster that claimed 265 lives, will take place at 10:30 AM and will include senior officials from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Airports Authority of India (AAI), and the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA).

Investigation Progress and Evidence Collection

Sources indicate that the minister will assess the progress of the crash investigation, discussing the evidence collected so far and the next steps in the inquiry. Input and reports from various aviation and emergency response agencies are expected to be solicited.

Of the 242 individuals aboard the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, only one survived when the aircraft crashed into a dormitory building at BJ Medical College shortly after departing from Ahmedabad Airport. Additionally, 24 people on the ground, including five medical students, lost their lives. The AAIB reported that the Digital Flight Data Recorder (DFDR), commonly known as the black box, was recovered from the dormitory's roof, which will be crucial in reconstructing the final moments of the flight and identifying the root cause of the tragedy.

Prime Minister's Visit and Safety Measures

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the crash site on Friday and met with the injured at Ahmedabad Civil Hospital. As experts speculate on the causes of the accident—ranging from dual engine failure to flap malfunction or bird strikes—aviation authorities have intensified safety inspections. The DGCA has mandated a thorough inspection of Air India's Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet, which includes 26 B787-8 and seven B787-9 aircraft powered by GE NX engines.