The tragic crash of Air India flight No. 171 at Sardar Vallabhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad on June 12 has cast a dark shadow on the safety of air travel and raised critical questions about the reliability of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. This incident has resulted in Air India grounding several of its planes for inspection, intensifying fears that the Boeing aircraft may be so safe after all.The ill-fated flight AI 171 crashed some 59 seconds after take-off, failing to gain altitude and ultimately striking a medical college hostel. The catastrophic event claimed 38 lives on the ground, alongside the deaths of 241 passengers and crew members on board, leaving only one passenger who miraculously survived the crash. The subsequent analysis of the flight’s black box and Flight Data Recorder is crucial in uncovering the factors that led to this disaster, especially during the critical moments before and after take-off. Preliminary reports and unofficial sources point to potential engine failure or significant loss of thrust at the time of the accident. The cockpit crew was forced to issue a Mayday call, and a Ram Air Turbine (RAT)-a backup emergency power source-was deployed just moments before the aircraft plummeted. This raises serious concerns about a sudden engine or electrical malfunction. Furthermore, there appear to be configuration errors; analysts have noted that videos from the incident reveal that the wing flaps and landing gear remained extended post-take-off-a scenario that could severely hinder the aircraft’s climbing capability. Also, there are ongoing investigations into prior technical issues with the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. Reports indicate that whistleblowers flagged a critical malfunction about a year earlier on another aircraft, yet those concerns may not have been adequately addressed. The logs for AI 171 are currently under scrutiny for any similar anomalies. Responsibility may hinge on maintenance protocols and operational safety standards enforced by Air India, or on potential design flaws and oversight by Boeing. In the case of pilot error, the airline would bear the brunt of accountability. The implications of this incident are monumental. For Boeing, the stakes involve billions of dollars in contracts and a significant hit to their reputation. The aerospace giant has already faced scrutiny due to previous safety issues, and this incident could further erode confidence in their aircraft. For Air India, the repercussions include not only possible legal damages but also a substantial loss of reputation. The Tata Group’s efforts to restore Air India to its former glory as a leading airline are now at significant risk. The anguish faced by the bereaved families remains beyond measure. For many, the unimaginable trauma is compounded by the near-impossible task of DNA identification of charred remains. The pain is twofold: the devastating loss of their loved ones, and the heartbreaking reality that they may never receive the bodies to perform the final rites-a cultural and emotional closure now denied to them. No investigation, however thorough, can mend the emptiness left behind in their lives. The tragic loss of life from flight AI 171 should serve as a clarion call for stricter adherence to maintenance practices and the prioritization of safety above all else. Both Air India and Boeing must be held to the highest standards, ensuring that future tragedies can be avoided. Ultimately, the safety of air travel depends on rigorous oversight and a commitment to excellence in both aircraft manufacturing and airline operations.
Wednesday, July 16, 2025