The recent Air India Dreamliner crash in Ahmedabad has raised serious concerns about flight safety in India. The Boeing 787-8 aircraft, registered as VT-ANB, crashed shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. Both engines shut down within seconds, and the aircraft crashed into a nearby building. The tragedy claimed 260 lives, including 19 students from B.J. Medical College. Only one person survived.

What Happened in the Cockpit?

According to the official report by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), a critical incident occurred just before the crash. Both fuel control switches moved from “Run” to “Cutoff” mode. This shut down both engines nearly at the same time, causing the aircraft to lose power rapidly.

In a brief conversation recorded in the cockpit, the senior pilot asked the junior pilot why the fuel switch was turned off. The junior pilot replied that he had not turned it off. This confusion in the cockpit shows how unexpected the incident was.

TCM Was Replaced Twice, but the Issue Persisted

The Throttle Control Module (TCM), which controls engine throttle and fuel switch functions, had been replaced in the same aircraft twice — once in 2019 and again in 2023. These changes were done as part of routine maintenance after Boeing issued an updated Maintenance Planning Document (MPD) recommending replacement after 24,000 flight hours.

The report mentions that these TCM replacements had no direct connection with the fuel control switch failure. However, the unusual behavior of both fuel switches going to “Cutoff” simultaneously has raised questions about system reliability.

FAA Warned About Fuel Switch Issue in 2018

In December 2018, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a warning about a potential issue with the locking system on fuel switches used in Boeing aircraft. This issue could cause the switches to move unexpectedly during flight.

Air India did not carry out the FAA-recommended inspections. The airline stated that the checks were not mandatory. This decision is now being questioned as part of the ongoing investigation.

Pilots Tried to Recover the Aircraft

After the engines stopped, the pilots tried to reset the fuel switches to “Run.” Unfortunately, the aircraft had already lost significant speed and altitude. It could not gain enough thrust to stay in the air and crashed into a building near the medical college just minutes after takeoff.

This event has become one of the most serious air crashes in recent Indian aviation history.

No Action Taken Yet Against Boeing or GE

The AAIB has not recommended any action against Boeing, the aircraft manufacturer, or GE, which makes the engines used in the Dreamliner. Boeing has said that it continues to support the investigation.

Experts say this crash highlights the need for airlines to take even optional safety advisories more seriously. Preventing such events in the future may require stronger compliance with global safety alerts.

Is the Boeing Dreamliner Still Safe?

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner is widely used around the world and is considered a modern and fuel-efficient aircraft. However, this crash has raised questions about how well its systems are maintained and monitored.

While the Dreamliner remains in service globally, this crash has shown that even small mechanical issues or skipped inspections can lead to a major disaster. It’s a reminder that safety cannot be compromised, even when procedures are considered optional.

Conclusion: A Wake-Up Call for Aviation Safety

The Air India Dreamliner crash in Ahmedabad was not just a mechanical failure. It was the result of multiple missed warnings, technical confusion, and possibly human error. The tragedy shows how important it is to act on safety recommendations, even when they are not mandatory.

Aviation authorities, manufacturers, and airlines must all work together to ensure that every aircraft in the sky is as safe as possible. This disaster must serve as a lesson, not just for Air India, but for the entire aviation industry.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *