Air India Crash: 31 Dreamliners Inspected as Probe Progresses; Black Box Data Being Analysed
Reported by Akshata Pawar
New Delhi, 24th July 2025: Following the catastrophic crash of Air India’s Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner flight AI-171 in Ahmedabad, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has confirmed that a technical inspection of 31 Boeing 787 aircraft currently operating in India has been completed, with minor issues detected in eight aircraft. These were rectified and the aircraft cleared for operations. Two remaining Dreamliners are under scheduled maintenance, said Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Shri Murlidhar Mohol, during responses to multiple questions in the Lok Sabha on Thursday.
The inspection drive comes in the aftermath of India’s worst aviation disaster in history and the most deadly in the world in a decade, when Air India flight AI-171 bound for London’s Gatwick airport crashed moments after takeoff from Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025, at approximately 1:40 PM. The aircraft was carrying 242 people—including 230 passengers, 10 cabin crew, and 2 pilots—and the tragedy claimed 260 lives, including 241 on board and 19 on the ground, according to the official Lok Sabha statement.
Black Boxes Recovered; One Successfully Downloaded:
Both Enhanced Airborne Flight Recorders (EAFRs)—commonly known as black boxes—from the ill-fated Boeing Dreamliner (registration number VT-ANB) were recovered from the crash site and transported to the Flight Recorder Laboratory of the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) in New Delhi. The data from one black box has been successfully downloaded, and analysis is currently underway.
Mohol clarified that neither of the flight recorders has been sent abroad for decoding, dispelling speculations of any external interference or tampering by the aircraft manufacturer, Boeing. The analysis is being conducted entirely within India, under the supervision of AAIB to ensure the integrity, sovereignty, and transparency of the process.
An investigation team has been appointed by the Director General of AAIB under Rule 11 of the Aircraft (Investigation of Accidents and Incidents) Rules, 2017. A preliminary investigation report was published by AAIB on July 12, 2025, and is available on the official website (www.aaib.gov.in). The full investigation remains in progress to determine the probable causes and contributory factors of the crash.
Routine Maintenance Conducted Before Crash, Says Govt:
Responding to questions on possible technical failures, the Ministry clarified that the crashed aircraft had undergone routine maintenance and safety inspections before the accident. These were conducted as per the approved maintenance program, following DGCA regulations and the manufacturer’s guidelines
The DGCA has a structured civil aviation oversight system in place, which includes planned and unplanned surveillance, night inspections, audits, and ramp checks. Enforcement action is taken in case of any deviation. Following the crash, General Safety Circular 01/2025 was issued on June 19, 2025, directing a comprehensive special audit of India’s aviation ecosystem to further enhance safety protocols across all carriers
Compensation and Humanitarian Assistance:
Air India has informed the government that it has disbursed interim compensation of ₹25 lakh each to the next of kin (NoK) of 128 deceased passengers as of July 18, 2025. The documentation process is ongoing for the remaining families.
In parallel, Tata Sons has completed the registration of a dedicated Trust on July 18, 2025, to enable the voluntary ex gratia payment of ₹1 crore per deceased person’s family. In addition to financial support, Air India is assisting families with travel, accommodation, and medical arrangements. The airline has also offered immediate cash relief to daily-wage workers injured in the incident.
Investigation Continues with Transparency Pledge:
In response to parliamentary queries on whether sabotage was suspected or if Boeing’s involvement was under scrutiny, the government reiterated that no foreign agency has been involved so far, and every angle—including potential technical failures or external interference—is being explored. The government also reaffirmed that the investigation findings will be made public to uphold transparency.
