India Orders Inspection of Boeing 787s After Deadly Crash
Agences
New Delhi: India’s aviation regulator has ordered urgent inspections of all Boeing 787 aircraft operated by domestic airlines following a devastating Air India crash that killed 270 people earlier this week.
Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu announced the move on Saturday, stating that authorities are exploring all possible causes of the tragedy.
On Friday, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) directed Air India to carry out additional maintenance checks on its Boeing 787-8 and 787-9 aircraft equipped with GEnx engines. These checks include detailed assessments of take-off parameters, electronic engine control systems, and fuel-related components.
“We’ve issued instructions for extended surveillance of all 787 aircraft. There are 34 in the Indian fleet,” Minister Naidu told reporters in New Delhi. “Eight have already been inspected, and the rest will be checked immediately.”
He did not specify whether government personnel would participate directly in the inspections.
The incident involved a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner bound for Britain’s Gatwick Airport. The aircraft, carrying 242 passengers and crew, lost altitude moments after take-off on Thursday and crashed into buildings, erupting into flames. It is being described as the world’s deadliest aviation accident in the last decade.
Air India, which operates 33 Boeing 787s, and IndiGo, which owns one, are subject to the directive. IndiGo has not commented on the matter.
Air India confirmed it is conducting the required safety inspections, warning that the process could lead to longer turnaround times and possible delays, especially on long-haul routes.
While the 787s have not been grounded, a government source told Reuters on Friday that grounding the fleet remains under consideration.
Minister Naidu said the investigation would examine multiple possible causes of the crash, including engine thrust issues, flap malfunctions, and why the landing gear remained deployed during take-off.
