Adnan Abidi | Reuters - In a tragic incident, an Air India plane, specifically a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, crashed just seconds after takeoff in western India on Thursday. The aircraft was en route to London and was carrying 242 passengers and crew members. The unfortunate accident resulted in the loss of all but one person on board, marking this as the first crash of a Boeing 787 Dreamliner and one of the deadliest aviation disasters in recent years.
The aircraft involved in the accident was a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, known for its efficiency and comfort on long-distance flights. This particular jet had its inaugural flight in December 2013 and was delivered to Air India in January 2014, as reported by aviation-data firm Cirium. At the time of the incident, Air India operated a fleet of 34 Dreamliners and had plans to expand its fleet with an additional 20 orders. Globally, there are over 1,100 Dreamliners currently in operation, making it a significant player in the aviation market.
According to preliminary data from flight-tracking service Flightradar24, the signal from the aircraft was lost at 1:38 p.m. local time, less than a minute after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad. The plane had reached a maximum altitude of only 625 feet before losing altitude and crashing into a residential area, resulting in a fireball and additional fatalities on the ground. The rapid descent of the aircraft raises questions about the potential causes, which could range from mechanical failure to pilot error.
Investigators will meticulously examine the wreckage in search of the critical black boxes: the cockpit and flight data recorders. These devices are essential for understanding the circumstances leading up to the crash. The investigation will encompass various factors including airline maintenance records, pilot actions, aircraft configuration, and environmental conditions on the day of the accident, during which temperatures soared to nearly 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Video footage of the takeoff will also be reviewed to gather more information.
Under international aviation protocols, the nation where the crash occurred will lead the investigation. In this case, Boeing and the aircraft's engine manufacturer, GE Aerospace, will collaborate with U.S. federal crash investigators. Previous concerns regarding manufacturing quality for Dreamliners have been raised, but it remains uncertain if they are related to this incident. Experts suggest that a final report on the causes of the crash may take time, potentially not being available until next year.
While some aviation specialists have dismissed the notion that this crash relates to manufacturing defects, citing the aircraft's long operational history, others emphasize the complexity of air incidents, which often involve multiple failures. Jeff Guzzetti, a retired air safety investigator, noted that the aircraft appeared to have taken off without issue but failed to climb as expected. Although Boeing has faced challenges with the Dreamliner in the past, no immediate connections have been established in this case.
The implications of this crash for Boeing are still unfolding. Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg, who took over the leadership role last August, has been working to steer the company away from previous safety and manufacturing controversies. Following the earlier crashes of the 737 Max jets, the repercussions of this latest incident will hinge on the investigation's findings. Despite this, demand for new aircraft remains strong, with airlines continuing to place orders, often waiting for years for delivery.
According to a note from Wolfe Research, there may not be a significant direct impact on Boeing's financial performance from this crash, although it could dampen momentum until clearer details emerge. The firm noted that the production ramp is expected to remain unaffected, with any potential impact on demand being minimal and localized. However, there is a modest concern regarding the certification process of the yet-to-be-certified 777X, though it is too early to assess any risks associated with that.
