AAIB: No Urgent Safety Changes Needed From Boeing Or GE After Air India Crash

India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has stated that no urgent corrective actions are currently required from Boeing or General Electric (GE) in connection with last month’s fatal Air India crash, which claimed more than 270 lives.

The AAIB released its preliminary findings on Saturday, offering early insights into what has become one of the deadliest aviation incidents globally in over a decade.

“At this stage of investigation, there are no recommended actions to Boeing 787-8 and/or GE GEnx-1B engine operators and manufacturers,” the report stated, reported Moneycontrol.

The aircraft, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner operating as Flight AI171 from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, crashed shortly after take-off on June 12. It marked the first complete loss of a 787 aircraft since the type entered service and resulted in the deaths of nearly all 241 people on board, along with several fatalities on the ground.

Also Read : Boeing Reacts To Fuel Switch Error Cited In Air India Crash Preliminary Report

Fuel Switch Movement Under Scrutiny

The AAIB's preliminary report revealed that both engine fuel cutoff switches transitioned from RUN to CUTOFF just moments after departure. This event caused a sudden loss of power and led to the aircraft crashing only 32 seconds after leaving the runway.

Investigators have not yet concluded whether this movement was the result of a technical issue, unintentional crew action, or a possible design vulnerability.

The bureau emphasised that further investigation is needed to determine the root cause. Although the sequence involving the fuel switches is considered critical, the report stops short of attributing fault at this stage.

Technical teams are now analysing flight data, cockpit voice recordings, and aircraft components to explore all potential causes, including human error, software anomalies, and mechanical design.

Boeing 787 Safety in Focus as Investigation Continues

The incident has drawn international attention, not only due to its scale but also because it marks the first total loss in the Boeing 787’s 14-year operational history. The Dreamliner, widely used across global long-haul routes, has an established reputation for safety and efficiency. The AAIB is being assisted in its investigation by the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), Boeing, GE, and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Though no immediate changes have been mandated, the crash has revived concerns around the design of the 787’s fuel control systems. The report noted that a previous FAA advisory had warned operators about a possible flaw in the switch mechanism. However, Air India had not acted on the alert, as it was issued as a non-mandatory notice.

A final report will be released once investigators complete their evaluation of all contributing factors, including operational, mechanical, and environmental aspects. The findings are expected to inform future safety protocols for both the aircraft model and the airline industry more broadly.

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