The devastating crash of Air India flight AI171 on 12 June has sent shockwaves through the aviation world, claiming 270 lives and marking the first fatal accident involving Boeing’s flagship 787 Dreamliner since it entered service in 2011. The aircraft, a 12-year-old Boeing 787-8 powered by GE Aerospace engines, went down shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad, killing all but one on board, along with several people on the ground.

This tragedy has put an unwelcome spotlight once more on two of America’s aviation giants, triggering investigations across continents and raising fresh questions about aircraft safety.

A global investigation taking shape

While India’s aviation authorities are leading the investigation, this has quickly become an international effort. American investigators from the NTSB and FAA are working alongside their Indian counterparts, joined by teams from Boeing, GE Aerospace, and Britain’s Accident Investigation Branch.

Both black boxes have been recovered, and some disturbing evidence has already emerged: video footage appears to show the deployment of the ram air turbine, a backup power system that only kicks in when an aircraft loses its main engines or electrical power. Even more troubling, cockpit audio reportedly captured the crew calling out: “Mayday! Mayday! Thrust not achieved!” — words that no pilot ever wants to say, and no passenger ever wants to hear.

These preliminary clues, along with detailed analysis of flight data, engine performance, and aircraft systems, will form the backbone of an interim report expected within three months. 

Aircraft in the spotlight

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner was meant to revolutionise air travel with its fuel efficiency and passenger comfort. This particular aircraft, powered by GEnx-1B64 engines, part of the most widely used engine family on the Dreamliner fleet worldwide, had been faithfully serving the industry for over a decade.

Both Boeing and GE Aerospace have pledged full cooperation with investigators — a promise that their reputations and the trust of millions of travellers depend upon. In response to the crash, India has also ordered immediate inspections of all 34 Boeing 787s operating in the country, focusing particularly on those with GE engines.

These aren’t just bureaucratic box-checking exercises, teams are examining critical systems including engine controls and hydraulics, flaps. As of mid-June, 22 aircraft have been inspected, with no issues reported, as investigators race to rule out any systemic problems.

What does this mean for American aviation?

While no immediate action has been taken in the US just yet, the aviation community is watching developments with intense interest. The ripple effects of this investigation will likely be felt across the industry: airlines and operators flying the 787 — both passenger and cargo — may review their own maintenance records and may choose to conduct additional inspections.

Insurance companies are already reassessing risk profiles for widebody aircraft, particularly those with GEnx engines. This could mean higher premiums and more stringent coverage terms for airlines and cargo operators who depend on these aircraft.

Manufacturing oversight is once again in the spotlight. The FAA has been scrutinising Boeing’s production practices more closely in recent years following other quality concerns, and this accident will likely only intensify that focus.

International cooperation and transparency in aviation safety are being put to the test. American agencies will likely share decades’ worth of design data, manufacturing records, and engine performance logs with their international partners. 

When the smoke clears

The coming weeks will bring preliminary findings that could provide crucial insights into what went wrong that tragic day in Ahmedabad. The full interim report will represent thousands of hours of painstaking analysis by top aviation safety experts.

Boeing and GE are both committed to complete transparency throughout this process — a promise that will be tested as investigators dig deep into their designs, manufacturing processes, and maintenance recommendations.

A moment of reckoning

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​This accident represents more than just another aviation investigation; it’s a test of the systems, partnerships, and commitments that move modern aviation. For American manufacturers who have built their reputations on engineering excellence and safety, the stakes couldn’t be higher.

The aviation industry has always learned from its darkest moments. So, as investigators work around the clock to understand what happened to flight AI171, the entire global aviation community will be listening, learning, and working to ensure that the trust millions place in commercial aviation every day remains well-founded.

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