Air India Dreamliner Crash: DGCA Orders Probe, Black Box Recovered

The Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crash in Ahmedabad on 12 June 2025 has shocked the entire nation. This incident stands as the second deadliest aviation disaster in India’s history, claiming the lives of 265 individuals, including 241 passengers and 12 crew members. Following the tragedy, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has ordered a comprehensive safety and technical inspection of all Air India Dreamliner aircraft. Crucial evidence in the form of the aircraft’s black box and Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) has also been recovered to aid the investigation.

Crash Details

On 12 June 2025, at 1:30 PM, Air India Flight AI-171, bound for London Gatwick Airport from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, crashed just 5-9 minutes after takeoff in the hostel premises of BJ Medical College in the Meghaninagar area. The aircraft was completely destroyed, causing massive devastation in the surrounding area due to a powerful explosion. Among the deceased were 169 Indian nationals, 53 British, 7 Portuguese, and 1 Canadian passenger, including former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani. Only one passenger, a British citizen named Vishwas Kumar Ramesh, survived the crash.

Preliminary reports indicate that the pilot issued a “Mayday” call just seconds before the crash, stating, “Losing power, unable to lift.” This strongly suggests a severe technical malfunction.

Black Box Recovered

Twenty-eight hours after the crash, on 13 June 2025, Gujarat ATS recovered the aircraft’s black box and Digital Video Recorder (DVR) from the crash site. The black box, which includes the Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR), is crucial to uncovering the actual cause of the crash. The FDR records technical data such as speed, altitude, and engine performance, while the CVR captures the conversation between the pilots and the control room.

Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu said, “The recovery of the black box is a significant milestone in this investigation. We are committed to uncovering the reasons behind this tragic accident.” The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has taken possession of the black box and has sent it for forensic analysis.

DGCA’s Stringent Measures

In the aftermath of the crash, the DGCA promptly issued directives for a thorough inspection of all Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft operated by Air India. The scope of inspection includes:

• Fuel Monitoring System: Examination of the aircraft’s fuel management systems.
• Engine Fuel Actuator Operation: Assessment of engine performance and fuel supply mechanisms.
• Flight Control System: Inspection of control systems used during takeoff and landing.
• Power Assurance Checks: Review of technical issues over the past 15 days and verification of maintenance records.

The DGCA has mandated that all Dreamliner aircraft undergo a one-time special inspection by midnight on 15 June 2025. In addition, flight control checks must now be included in transit inspections, and power assurance checks have been made compulsory within two weeks.

Maintenance Policy Under Scrutiny

The incident has sparked serious concerns about Air India’s maintenance policies. Dr. Sanat Kaul, former Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Civil Aviation, remarked, “The DGCA has previously issued multiple warnings to Air India about safety and maintenance compliance, which were not adequately addressed.” He also pointed out that simultaneous failure of both engines is highly unlikely, suggesting the crash might be due to maintenance lapses or human error.

Possible Ban on Dreamliner Flights

Sources suggest that the government is considering temporarily grounding Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft. These aircraft have long been a part of Air India’s fleet, but the recent tragedy has raised serious concerns about their safety and maintenance practices. The Civil Aviation Ministry emphasised that passenger safety is paramount and that all necessary actions will be taken in this regard.

Controversial History of Boeing Dreamliner

The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner is known for its advanced technology and long-range capabilities, but it has been marred by multiple technical issues over the years:

• 2013: Grounding of Dreamliners due to lithium-ion battery fires.
• 2015: Warning issued for generator control unit malfunctions caused by software bugs.
• 2022: Emergency landing of an Air India Dreamliner due to cabin pressure loss.
• 2024: Emergency landing in Russia due to technical issues.

Experts believe that in the Ahmedabad crash, the low altitude (825 feet), low speed (174 knots), and deployed landing gear suggest a configuration error. Additionally, extreme heat (43°C) and heavy fuel load further complicated the situation.

India’s Second Deadliest Aviation Disaster

The Ahmedabad crash ranks as the second worst aviation disaster in India’s history. The deadliest was the mid-air collision over Charkhi Dadri, Haryana in 1996, which killed 349 people. Other major crashes include:

• 1978, Mumbai: Air India Flight 855 crashed into the Arabian Sea, killing 213.
• 1988, Ahmedabad: Indian Airlines Flight IC-113 crash, resulting in 133 deaths.
• 1990, Bengaluru: Indian Airlines plane crash during landing, killing 92.

International Cooperation

Apart from India’s DGCA and AAIB, the United States’ National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the United Kingdom’s Air Accidents Investigation Branch (UK-AAIB) are also participating in the investigation. NTSB experts will assist with black box analysis and structural examination of the aircraft.

The Road Ahead

Air India and Tata Sons Chairman N. Chandrasekaran stated, “We are committed to full transparency in this investigation and will extend all possible support to the families of the victims.” The government has announced compensation for the next of kin of the deceased. Meanwhile, DGCA has instructed further tightening of aviation safety standards.