Air India Crash: No Immediate Directive for B787 or GE Engines
PM Narendra Modi at the Air India plane crash site in Ahmedabad on Friday! (Image X.com)
Fuel Quality Cleared; Investigators Await More Evidence as Focus Turns to Forensic Analysis of Wreckage and Black Boxes
By KUMAR VIKRAM
NEW DELHI, July 12, 2025 — The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued its preliminary findings into the fatal crash of Air India Flight AI171, stating that no immediate safety recommendations have been issued for Boeing 787-8 aircraft or GE’s GEnx-1B engines at this stage. The report, however, confirms that investigation is ongoing with additional data and evidence under review.
The Dreamliner aircraft, operating from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, crashed seconds after take-off on June 12, killing all 230 passengers and crew. Preliminary data points to an unexplained dual engine shutdown during initial climb, with the aircraft ultimately crashing into multiple buildings near the airport.
No Fuel Contamination Found
In a significant development, DGCA confirmed that fuel quality was not a factor in the crash. Samples taken from bowsers and airport fuel tanks used for refuelling VT-ANB tested satisfactory at DGCA’s laboratory.
While only a small amount of fuel could be retrieved from the aircraft wreckage—specifically from the APU filter and left-wing refuel/jettison valve—those samples will be tested at specialized facilities capable of working with limited quantities.
Wreckage Secured, Engines Quarantined
Wreckage recovery and documentation activities at the crash site have concluded. The aircraft’s remains—including both GE GEnx-1B engines—have been moved to a secure hangar for further forensic inspection. Drone-based site mapping and videography were conducted before removal.
Several key components from the aircraft have been quarantined for further examination, though the DGCA has not revealed whether any physical anomalies have yet been found.
Black Boxes Recovered and Partially Analyzed
Flight data recorders have provided investigators with critical information. The Boeing 787-8 aircraft was equipped with two Enhanced Airborne Flight Recorders (EAFRs), each capable of recording both cockpit voice and digital flight data.
- The aft EAFR, located in the tail section, was found on June 13 atop Building A. It had suffered significant impact and thermal damage. Wires and connectors were burnt and protruding from the housing.
- The forward EAFR, found on June 16 near Building F, remained attached to its equipment shelf. Though partially burnt and covered in soot, the critical Cockpit Memory Module (CPM) remained intact.
Both recorders were transported to the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) facility in New Delhi on June 24. Investigators used a “Golden Chassis” — an identical EAFR unit — and specialized download cables sourced from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) to retrieve the data.
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The download from the forward EAFR was successful, yielding:
- 49 hours of flight data, including six previous flights.
- Two hours of cockpit audio, covering the duration of the accident flight.
DGCA confirms that initial analysis of audio and flight data has been conducted, though specific findings remain confidential pending final validation.
The aft EAFR, however, could not be accessed using standard methods due to extensive damage. The CPM from this unit is under forensic evaluation to assess the possibility of memory card data recovery.
Investigators will continue analyzing data, inspecting aircraft components, and reviewing maintenance records and operational procedures. No technical directives have been issued to operators of the Boeing 787-8 or GEnx-1B engines at this time, as no immediate systemic failure has been confirmed.
However, the DGCA stated that it will closely monitor evolving evidence and update stakeholders if any airworthiness concerns are uncovered.
This preliminary report adds new context but leaves several critical questions unanswered—including the cause of the simultaneous engine shutdown that appears to have triggered the crash. A final report is expected in the coming months after completion of full technical, human factor, and design-related assessments.
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