U.S. investigators are also on the scene investigating last week’s crash of a Boeing 787 in Ahmedabad. Their research has raised new questions about the aircraft’s overall safety history. The aircraft involved in the accident was VT-ANB. This incident represents a tragic tipping point for a model that had moved safely for almost 15 years with no loss of life. Authorities, including India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) and American officials, are now investigating the circumstances that led to the crash.
The Boeing 787, known for its reliance on electrical systems compared to earlier generations of passenger aircraft, has faced scrutiny in light of past incidents. Manufacturers responded to intensified scrutiny after a large battery fire on a Japan Airlines plane in 2013. In response, the whole 787 fleet was grounded for a period. This latest mishap raised alarms across the industry about the aircraft’s electrical systems, which are integral to its safety and functionality.
That aircraft black in the Ahmedabad crash was indeed one of the earliest models produced. The Boeing 787 rolled into commercial service with Air India, early in 2014. Since then, it has built an impressive safety record, with zero reported fatalities leading up to this recent disaster. Issues have persisted. As you may have read, the 787 has had persistent problems with water leaking into its wiring bays. It’s an issue the Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) in the United States used to call out with their safety warnings.
As is customary in investigations of this nature, the AAIB released a preliminary report about a month after the accident as part of the continuing investigation. While this report provided a thorough summary of known facts at the time, it didn’t get into the weeds of conclusive findings. In July, an initial interim report led to a frenzy of unwarranted speculation and controversy. It posed unanswered questions regarding one of the aircraft’s safety features.
In January 2022, a disturbing incident involving the Boeing 787 raised alarms. A short circuit in the P100 power distribution panel started a fire. The P100 is one of five safe panels that funnel the high-voltage power produced by the aircraft’s engines. This incident furthered worries about the reliability of the electrical systems key to the new design of the aircraft.
American officials have been engaged from the very beginning of this investigation. Their participation is based on their design and production responsibility for the aircraft and engines. They come with deep knowledge and experience. Their oversight ensures that we will closely scrutinize all the conditions that led to this tragic occurrence.
Preliminary analysis of cockpit voice recordings offer more details into the moments before that crash. One of the pilots interviewees expresses incredulity to his co-pilot for shutting down specific systems. The co-pilot then insists in no uncertain terms that he did not take that decision. This exchange further complicates dissecting exactly what happened on that fateful flight.
“In the cockpit voice recording, one of the pilots is heard asking the other why did he cut-off. The other pilot responded that he did not do so.” – Source
With investigations continuing, all eyes are on the safety and operational protocols of the Boeing 787. These are complex and critical issues that regulators and aviation experts are following extremely closely. Investigators are making an intense and thorough examination into the complete narrative of this terrible accident. They’ve gotten careful about the balance between advancing innovation and keeping people safe.