Air India Flight to London Returns to Bay Due to Suspected Technical Issue
An Air India Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner operating flight AI2017 from Delhi to London on July 31 was forced to return to the bay shortly after departure due to a suspected technical issue. Passengers were asked to disembark as precautionary checks were carried out. Air India subsequently deployed an choice aircraft to complete the journey to London.
An air India spokesperson confirmed the incident,stating,”The cockpit crew decided to discontinue the takeoff run following standard operating procedures and brought the aircraft back for precautionary checks.”
Context: Recent air India Incidents
This incident occurs just weeks after a tragic Air India flight bound for London Gatwick crashed in Gujarat state on June 12, killing 241 people on board and at least 29 on the ground. The flight, which had departed from Ahmedabad, struck a medical collage hostel minutes after take-off.
Indian aviation officials reported that the pilot issued multiple distress calls before the crash. The pilot’s last reported words were, “Thrust not achieved… falling… mayday! mayday! Mayday!” moments before the aircraft lost altitude and caught fire.
The aircraft involved in the June 12 crash was an Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner. There were 230 passengers and 12 crew members on board,including 169 Indian nationals,53 Britons,seven portuguese citizens,and one Canadian.
In response to the june 12 tragedy, the Indian government has established a high-level committee to investigate the causes of the crash. The committee’s focus includes formulating procedures to prevent and manage future aircraft emergencies. Air India and the government are examining several factors related to the crash,including issues with engine thrust,flaps,and the landing gear remaining extended during takeoff.
