In the wake of the tragic crash of Air India Flight AI171, which claimed 241 lives, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has ordered a comprehensive safety inspection of all Boeing 787-8 and 787-9 aircraft in Air India’s fleet. The aircraft in question are powered by Genx engines, and the directive aims to prevent similar disasters.
In an official communication dated June 12, 2025, the DGCA’s Deputy Director General mandated immediate pre-departure and transit safety checks, effective from midnight on June 15. The required inspections include fuel parameter monitoring, cabin air compressor checks, engine control systems, hydraulic and oil systems, and a detailed review of takeoff parameters. Flight control systems will also be examined during transit checks until further notice.
Additionally, the DGCA has ordered:
- Power assurance tests to be completed within two weeks.
- Immediate resolution of all maintenance issues reported in the last 15 days.
- Submission of a comprehensive report of the inspections to the regulator.
Black Box Recovered, Investigation Deepens
Meanwhile, the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has successfully retrieved the black box from the crashed Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner. The data from the device is expected to offer crucial insights into what went wrong with Flight AI171, which was en route from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick when it crashed shortly after takeoff.
The aircraft plummeted near the BJ Medical College hostel in Meghaninagar, erupting into flames and sending thick smoke into the sky. Emergency response teams, including the Ahmedabad Fire Brigade, have been working around the clock to recover evidence from the crash site.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone 4) Kanan Desai confirmed to PTI that the black box was found but clarified that no digital video recorder (DVR) specific to the aircraft had been located. “Work is ongoing to find the black box,” she said before the device was recovered.
Deputy Chief Fire Officer Dhrumit Gandhi added that fire personnel, forensic teams, and civil aviation experts are collaborating in the retrieval process using specialised tools like metal cutters.
While the aircraft’s internal video systems remain missing, officials have seized the DVR of the CCTV system from the BJ Medical College hostel. Authorities believe this footage may help reconstruct the crash sequence.