Engine, Flaps & Landing Gear Under Scrutiny
Investigators are digging into key systems on the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner that crashed during take-off from Ahmedabad, killing over 240 people. According to a source with direct knowledge of the probe, the team is focusing on engine thrust performance, the deployment of flaps, and why the landing gear remained extended as the jet lost altitude.
Regulator Orders Fleet-Wide Safety Checks
India’s aviation regulator has instructed Air India to carry out additional maintenance actions on its entire Boeing 787-8/9 fleet equipped with GEnx engines. Starting June 15, airlines must perform:
- One-time checks of take-off parameters before each departure.
- Transit inspections of flight control systems.
- Power assurance tests to verify engine output.
These measures aim to rule out any mechanical failures in similar aircraft across the country.
Reconstructing the Crash
CCTV footage captured the Dreamliner erupting in a fireball as it slammed into a medical college hostel mid-day. Only one passenger survived, while local reports suggest up to 24 residents on the ground also perished. This tragic incident stands as the worst aviation disaster in a decade.
Investigators have recovered the digital flight data recorder from the crash site’s rooftop. The cockpit voice recorder—a crucial piece of the puzzle—remains unaccounted for.
What’s Next?
Teams including anti-terrorism experts continue to piece together the sequence of events. Authorities are weighing whether to ground Air India’s Dreamliners during the ongoing probe. No official decision has been announced by the airline or government so far.
As the investigation moves forward, the aviation community is watching closely. The outcome could reshape safety protocols for the global Boeing 787 fleet.
Reference(s):
Air India crash probe focuses on engine, flaps and landing gear
cgtn.com
