Investigating Preparations Before AI-171’s Fatal Dreamliner Flight

Investigating Preparations Before AI-171’s Fatal Dreamliner Flight

The tragic crash of Air India Flight 171 on the Ahmedabad-London route has ignited urgent inquiries into the sequence of events preceding the disaster. Marking the first fatal accident involving a Boeing 787-800 Dreamliner, the incident has sent shockwaves through India’s aviation sector. In response, government authorities have initiated immediate inspections of all Boeing 787 aircraft, intensifying concerns about the safety and reliability of the model.

Historical Incidents and Operational Concerns

As investigators strive to determine the precise cause of the crash, attention has turned to a troubling history of incidents involving Air India’s B787 fleet. While none of these previous events resulted in fatalities, they revealed vulnerabilities ranging from human error to mechanical failures, raising questions about operational preparedness.

One notable episode involved the same AI-171 aircraft eight years ago. On March 10, 2017, the flight was escorted by a Hungarian fighter jet after failing to respond to air traffic control (ATC) for over 40 minutes. The commander, who had been resting as permitted, discovered that the headset speaker had been inadvertently switched off, likely by the co-pilot. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) concluded that this simple communication lapse led to the loss of contact, necessitating military intervention until the aircraft began its descent into London.

Technical difficulties have also plagued the fleet. On August 4, 2023, AI-131, another Boeing 787-800, experienced an engine failure just nine minutes after departing Mumbai for London. The crew reported hearing a loud thud followed by an engine surge warning, forcing an urgent return and an overweight landing on a single engine. Investigations revealed that improper installation of locking lugs caused a high-pressure compressor blade to detach, resulting in the engine’s uncommanded shutdown.

Further incidents have underscored recurring technical faults. In July 2018, AI-380, operating from Delhi to Singapore, issued a mayday call and diverted to Kolkata after smoke filled the cabin—a scenario reminiscent of a similar emergency landing in 2015. Boeing later acknowledged that surges in the Cabin Air Compressor (CAC) represented an industry-wide issue, prompting Air India to implement manufacturer-recommended modifications.

Implications for Air India and Indian Aviation

The accumulation of these incidents has intensified scrutiny on Air India at a pivotal moment for both the airline and the broader Indian aviation industry. The recent crash has raised critical questions regarding operational readiness, maintenance standards, and safety oversight. It has also cast a shadow over Air India’s ongoing efforts at reinvention and India’s aspirations to establish itself as a global aviation hub.

Regulatory authorities are expected to escalate safety investigations and may introduce more stringent regulations in response to these developments. Meanwhile, Air India faces significant reputational challenges, with competitors likely to emphasize their own safety records to reassure passengers. The financial and insurance ramifications for both Air India and Boeing are anticipated to be substantial as the investigation progresses.

As the inquiry into AI-171’s fatal flight continues, the focus remains firmly on past warning signs and the urgent necessity for systemic improvements in safety protocols and regulatory oversight within India’s rapidly expanding aviation sector.