India Orders Urgent Inspections of Boeing 787s After Deadly Crash
Following a devastating Air India crash, Indian authorities are scrambling to inspect all Boeing 787 aircraft within the country’s fleet. The crash, which claimed hundreds of lives, has triggered a comprehensive investigation into the causes of the disaster and renewed safety concerns.
Safety Checks Underway
The Indian government is taking swift action in the wake of the recent Air India disaster. Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu announced that all Boeing 787s are undergoing immediate inspection. The government is also investigating all potential factors contributing to the tragedy, emphasizing thoroughness in the investigation.
The aviation regulator has instructed Air India to perform supplementary maintenance on its Boeing 787-8/9 planes equipped with GEnx engines. These checks include examining take-off parameters and assessing engine fuel-related components, in addition to electronic engine control tests.
“We have also given the order to do the extended surveillance of the 787 planes. There are 34 in our Indian fleet,”
—Ram Mohan Naidu, Aviation Minister
The airline currently operates 33 Boeing 787s, with rival IndiGo owning one, according to Flightradar24 data. These aircraft have not been grounded at this time, but the government is considering this as a possible measure.
Investigation and Aftermath
The crash, which occurred shortly after takeoff, resulted in the loss of at least 270 lives. The plane, carrying 242 people, crashed into buildings, causing a major aviation disaster. One individual survived the incident.
The probe will address critical aspects of the crash, including engine thrust and flap performance. Experts are also examining why the landing gear remained open. The government aims to publish a report within three months, according to Naidu. The focus is on improving safety protocols.
In a related move, doctors are working hard to identify the dead. The use of dental records is crucial in identifying the badly charred victims. Jaishankar Pillai, a forensic dentist, reported that they have dental records of 135 victims.
The incident has deeply impacted families. Relatives are struggling to obtain information and retrieve the remains of their loved ones. Rafiq Abdul Hafiz Memon shared his distress, expressing his need for answers.
For example, in 2023, Boeing’s financial results for the year reflected a loss of $2.2 billion due to increased costs ( Boeing Financials).
Air India has faced challenges, including rebuilding its reputation after the Tata Group took over in 2022. The airline is striving to modernize its fleet and improve its operations as well.
