Boeing’s Commitment to Ongoing Investigation

Boeing has reiterated its commitment to supporting the investigation into the Air India crash, following the release of a preliminary report by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB). The tragic incident, which occurred on June 12, involved a Boeing Dreamliner 787-8 bound for London and resulted in the loss of 241 lives on board and 30 on the ground in Ahmedabad. Boeing emphasized its continued support for both the investigation and its customer, Air India, as they work through the findings of the report.

Key Findings from the AAIB Report

The AAIB’s 15-page preliminary report has highlighted a critical issue with the aircraft’s fuel switches, which cut off mid-air, depriving the engines of necessary fuel. This malfunction is expected to be a central focus of the ongoing investigation. The report also noted that the Ram Air Turbine (RAT) was deployed during the initial climb after take-off, indicating a total loss of power and thrust. The aircraft began losing altitude shortly after take-off, ultimately leading to the crash.

Boeing’s Response and Support

In response to an inquiry from NDTV, Boeing expressed its condolences to those affected by the tragedy and reaffirmed its support for the investigation. The company stated it would defer to the AAIB for further information regarding Flight AI171, in accordance with international aviation protocols. Boeing’s president and CEO, Kelly Ortberg, also reached out to Air India’s Chairman N Chandrasekaran to offer full support from Boeing’s team.

Air India’s Position and Cooperation

Air India has acknowledged receipt of the AAIB’s preliminary report and is actively cooperating with stakeholders and regulatory authorities. The Tata-owned airline has expressed solidarity with the families of the victims and remains committed to assisting with the investigation as it progresses.

Technical Insights from Black Box Data

The black box data revealed that both engines’ fuel switches were moved back to the ‘run’ position after cutting off mid-air. While Engine 1 showed signs of recovery, Engine 2 did not respond similarly. This technical insight will likely play a significant role in understanding the sequence of events leading up to the crash.