Indian aviation authorities are zeroing in on potential mechanical failures involving engine thrust, wing flaps, and landing gear systems in their investigation of Tuesday's catastrophic Air India Boeing 787-8 crash in Ahmedabad that claimed 242 lives. The disaster – the deadliest aviation incident globally in 10 years – occurred moments after takeoff when the London-bound Dreamliner plunged into a medical college hostel, killing 24 people on the ground according to local reports.
Sources familiar with the probe revealed to Reuters that investigators are examining why the landing gear remained deployed during the brief flight and whether flap configuration contributed to the sudden altitude loss. Maintenance records and operational procedures at Air India are also under scrutiny, though officials have reportedly ruled out bird strikes as a primary factor.
India's Directorate General of Civil Aviation has mandated immediate safety checks for all Air India 787-8/9 aircraft using GEnx engines, including pre-flight verification of takeoff parameters and comprehensive engine power assessments. The moves come as government officials debate whether to ground the carrier's 30-strong Dreamliner fleet during the investigation.
Recovery teams have retrieved the digital flight data recorder from the crash site, but the cockpit voice recorder remains missing. The twin black boxes could provide critical insights into the plane's final moments as captured by flight systems and crew communications.
This developing story carries significant implications for aviation safety protocols, Boeing's flagship Dreamliner program, and India's growing air travel sector. KhabarAsia will continue monitoring official updates from investigators and regulatory bodies.
