URGENT UPDATE: India’s aviation regulator has just mandated immediate inspections of specific Boeing models following a devastating crash involving an Air India aircraft that claimed 260 lives. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation has ordered airlines to examine fuel control switches on the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and select Boeing 737 variants, emphasizing that findings must be submitted by July 21.
This directive comes in the wake of a preliminary investigation into the crash that occurred on June 12, 2023, shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad. The report revealed that both engines were deprived of fuel due to the switches being flipped off within one second of each other. Tragically, the incident resulted in the deaths of all but one of the 242 passengers on board and 19 individuals on the ground.
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau released the report last week, which did not conclude why the crash occurred nor how the switches were manipulated during the flight. The investigation highlighted a moment of confusion captured in cockpit voice recordings, with one pilot questioning the other about cutting off fuel flow, to which the other pilot denied responsibility.
Amid rising speculation regarding potential human error contributing to the crash, the Indian Commercial Pilots Association vehemently rejected such claims, stating they were “deeply disturbed by speculative narratives” surrounding the incident.
“Particularly the reckless and unfounded insinuation of pilot suicide,”
the association asserted.
In a statement, Air India CEO Campbell Wilson confirmed that the preliminary findings indicated no mechanical or maintenance issues with the aircraft. He reassured staff via an internal memo that all mandatory maintenance tasks had been completed, with no abnormality detected during the take-off roll. Furthermore, all pilots had passed their required pre-flight breathalyzer checks.
Following the crash, Indian authorities ordered comprehensive inspections of Air India’s entire fleet of Boeing 787 Dreamliners to avert future tragedies. This latest directive underlines the urgency of ensuring aviation safety and restoring public confidence amidst growing concerns.
As the investigation unfolds, authorities are urging heightened vigilance. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story as the aviation industry grapples with its implications.
