Even as world is glued to TV on the Israel-Iran war, the catastrophic crash of Air India Flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner (VT-ANB), at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad leaves India shell-shocked and the world asking questions. The aircraft, en route to London’s Gatwick International Airport, was carrying 242 souls-230 passengers, including 11 children and two infants, alongside two pilots and 10 flight attendants. Tragically, 279 lives were lost, that included 241 passengers, 12 crew members that included two female cabin crew members from Manipur. Another 38 others were killed on the ground, including four MBBS students and their families. Amidst this heart-wrenching loss, a single miracle emerged: Viswashkumar Ramesh, a passenger, survived against all odds. The magnitude of this disaster has prompted swift action. The government of India has formed a multi-agency probe led by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), supported by the Gujarat Police, Airports Authority of India (AAI), and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). International scrutiny has also intensified, with the United States’ National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the British government dispatching their own teams to Ahmedabad. The involvement of these global experts underscores the gravity of the incident, particularly as 59 passengers, including the sole survivor, are British citizens. Boeing, the manufacturer of the ill-fated aircraft, has also joined the investigation, its reputation already under fire due to a series of aviation mishaps over the past decade. Theories about the crash abound, ranging from engine failure and technical glitches to pilot error and even a possible bird strike. Air India and Boeing now find themselves in the crosshairs of public and regulatory scrutiny. Boeing, in particular, faces renewed criticism following the troubled history of its 737 series, which has been involved in 529 accidents and incidents, including the grounding of the 737 MAX after fatal crashes. The 787-8 Dreamliner, too, has come under the spotlight after this recent tragedy. Questions about maintenance practices at Air India have also surfaced. Reports indicate that the aircraft’s engine was replaced just three months before the crash, raising concerns about whether this played a role in the disaster. Meanwhile, the possibility of pilot error has been met with skepticism. The captain, with over 8,000 flying hours, and the co-pilot, with around 1,800 hours, were seasoned professionals unlikely to overlook critical pre-flight checks. As parallel investigations unfold, the world watches closely. The influence of American government for Boeing or even speculative disinclination in India to blame Boeing. The truth behind this tragedy must be uncovered, not only to provide closure to grieving families but also to ensure accountability. No compensation or rehabilitation can mend the void left by the loss of so many lives. What is demanded now is justice-a thorough, transparent inquiry that leaves no stone unturned. The victims and their families deserve nothing less. The crash of Flight AI171 is a stark reminder of the fragility of human life and the imperative of aviation safety. It is hoped that the multi-probes will concur on the truth about what happened to Air India Flight No.171 and also that lessons will be learned so that uch a catastrophe will never be repeated. Until then, the nation mourns, and the world waits for answers.
Tuesday, July 15, 2025