Air India Boeing 787 Crash Sparks Renewed Scrutiny Over Dreamliner’s Safety Record

June 15, 2025, Madurai.

In a deeply tragic event that has shaken the aviation world, Air India Flight 171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, crashed shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad on June 12, claiming the lives of all 241 people onboard and causing additional casualties on the ground.

The wide-body aircraft, bound for London, lost contact with air traffic control minutes after departure before crashing into a nearby residential building that housed a medical college hostel. Emergency responders worked through the wreckage for hours, recovering flight data and attempting to identify victims through DNA testing.

This incident marks the first fatal crash involving the Boeing 787 Dreamliner since its launch in 2011, and the most serious accident involving a commercial airliner in India in over a decade. It also reignites long-standing concerns surrounding the safety and build quality of Boeing’s flagship long-haul aircraft.

Debris of Air India flight 171 is pictured after it crashed Thursday in a residential area near the airport in Ahmedabad. Rescue teams with sniffer dogs combed the crash site on Friday. Photo Credit: Getty Images.  Punit Paranjpe/AFP and  Siddharaj Solanki—Bloomberg.

What We Know So Far

According to preliminary reports from the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) of India, the flight lost altitude abruptly within minutes of takeoff. Witnesses on the ground reported hearing an unusual sound, followed by a rapid descent and a loud explosion.

Officials confirmed the black box and flight data recorder have been recovered and sent for analysis. The investigation is being conducted with assistance from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and Boeing engineers, as part of standard international aviation protocol.

Authorities have not ruled out mechanical failure, pilot error, or system malfunction, although the focus has turned sharply toward the aircraft’s engine and flight control systems, which have faced scrutiny in the past.

A History of Concern: Boeing 787’s Controversial Past

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner, introduced as a next-generation fuel-efficient aircraft, has been both celebrated and criticized since its entry into service. While the model boasts innovative carbon-fiber composite materials and advanced electronics, it has also been plagued by recurring issues—especially during its early years.

In 2013, the Dreamliner was grounded globally following multiple lithium-ion battery fires. Since then, a series of manufacturing lapses, particularly at Boeing’s South Carolina facility, have raised questions about quality control. Reports from whistleblowers and federal audits have alleged improper fittings, metal shavings left inside components, and rushed production timelines—concerns that have resurfaced in light of this week’s crash.

The GEnx engines, manufactured by GE Aviation and used in many Dreamliners, have also experienced prior warnings related to icing issues and mechanical wear. Whether these factors contributed to the Air India crash remains under investigation.

Government Response and Safety Measures

In response to the tragedy, the Indian government has ordered immediate inspections of all Boeing 787 aircraft in Air India’s fleet. A high-level committee has been formed to oversee the investigation, and temporary grounding or restricted operations are not ruled out, depending on findings.

“We are taking this incident extremely seriously. Every Boeing 787 in the country will be subjected to intensive checks, especially the fuel system and engines,” said a senior Civil Aviation Ministry official during a media briefing on Friday.

India’s Civil Aviation Minister has assured that passenger safety remains paramount, and has committed to full transparency during the course of the inquiry.

A Global Aviation Wake-Up Call

International aviation bodies are closely monitoring the situation. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have both requested updates on the investigation’s progress.

Air India, which had recently expanded its Dreamliner fleet as part of its modernization plan, has expressed “deep regret” over the incident and promised full cooperation with all investigating authorities.

“This is a heartbreaking day for everyone at Air India. Our thoughts are with the families of those lost. We will do everything in our power to find answers,” said the airline’s CEO in a statement released on June 13.

What Experts Say

Aviation experts warn that while the Boeing 787 has flown millions of passengers safely, the pattern of manufacturing quality lapses cannot be ignored.

“This crash will undoubtedly raise further scrutiny over Boeing’s production standards and the effectiveness of current oversight mechanisms. One accident doesn’t make an aircraft unsafe, but patterns do raise red flags,” said Capt. Rajiv Menon, a retired pilot and aviation safety analyst.

Looking Ahead

The investigation into Air India Flight 171 may take months to yield a final report, but its consequences are likely to resonate much sooner. As Boeing faces growing calls for accountability and transparency, regulators and airlines around the world may revisit their reliance on the 787 Dreamliner and demand enhanced safety oversight.

For now, families of victims await answers. Aviation professionals and travelers alike watch closely, hoping that lessons from this tragedy lead to stronger safeguards in the skies.

From the Team of MaduraiCity.co.in:

We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families affected by this devastating event. As always, we remain committed to truthful, respectful, and community-focused reporting. We will continue to follow the investigation and bring updates to our readers.