In one of the worst aviation disasters in recent history, Air India flight AI 171, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, crashed minutes after takeoff from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on Thursday. The London-bound flight was carrying 242 people, including 169 Indians, 53 British nationals, 7 Portuguese, and 1 Canadian citizen, when it went down in a residential area near a medical college.
The aircraft, Boeing’s fuel-efficient wide-body Dreamliner, is often considered a hallmark of modern aviation technology. However, despite its stellar reputation, the 787 has been surrounded by mounting safety concerns, especially after whistleblower allegations about structural defects and rushed production surfaced over the past year.
“The pilots issued a mayday call soon after takeoff, but ATC reportedly did not receive any response thereafter,” said an official.
Boeing Whistleblower Allegations Resurface
The crash has renewed focus on claims made by Boeing engineer Sam Salehpour, who told the U.S. Senate in 2024 that the Dreamliner’s fuselage had structural gaps and improper assembly, potentially leading to early wear or catastrophic failure. He further alleged retaliation by Boeing, saying he was forcibly moved to another aircraft program after raising the alarm.
“Rather than heeding his warnings, Boeing prioritised getting the planes to market as quickly as possible,” said Salehpour’s attorneys.
In a separate case, another whistleblower, Richard Cuevas, filed complaints with both the FAA and OSHA, stating he was dismissed in March 2024 after raising concerns about deviations in the forward pressure bulkhead, a critical safety component in Dreamliners. Cuevas worked for a contractor assigned to Spirit AeroSystems, a key supplier for Boeing.
Boeing and FAA’s Response
Boeing has denied all claims, stating it has “full confidence” in the 787’s safety. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) had previously launched a probe but concluded that the current fleet complies with safety regulations.
Meanwhile, Boeing has issued a statement in response to the Ahmedabad crash:
“We are in contact with Air India and stand ready to support the investigation in any way necessary.”
Ongoing Investigation
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) are probing the cause of the crash. The black box and flight data recorder are expected to provide crucial information.
One known survivor, Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, a British national, has recounted the moment of the crash, stating:
“When I got up, there were bodies all around me. I stood up and ran. Someone helped me into an ambulance.”
Wider Fallout
The Tata Group, which owns Air India, has announced ₹1 crore compensation for each deceased passenger’s family and full medical coverage for the injured.
This incident has reignited global concerns about Boeing’s quality control practices and could have long-term implications for Dreamliner confidence across airlines and regulators.