Air India Crash: Boeing 787 Dreamliner's Emergency Power System Active Before Ahmedabad Disaster?

2025-06-18
Air India Crash: Boeing 787 Dreamliner's Emergency Power System Active Before Ahmedabad Disaster?
Hindustan Times

Ahmedabad, Gujarat - The investigation into the tragic Air India Express flight 737 crash in Ahmedabad, which claimed the lives of 270 people, has taken a concerning turn. Preliminary findings suggest the Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft's emergency power generator was active prior to the devastating impact, according to a recent report. This revelation raises critical questions about the sequence of events leading up to the accident and the potential role of the aircraft's systems.

The Air India Express flight, originating from Dubai, was attempting to land at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport when it crashed into a residential area near the airport on February 7th. The sheer scale of the tragedy has prompted a thorough investigation involving aviation experts, investigators, and regulatory bodies. The focus is on understanding the factors that contributed to the crash, including pilot error, weather conditions, and potential mechanical failures.

The discovery of the emergency power generator being operational is particularly significant. Emergency power systems are designed to kick in when the main power supply fails, providing critical electricity to essential aircraft functions like navigation, communication, and control systems. The fact that it was active suggests a potential electrical malfunction or a scenario where the aircraft's primary power source was compromised. However, investigators are keen to emphasize that this is just one piece of the puzzle, and further analysis is required to determine the exact cause.

“We are meticulously examining all available data, including flight recorders, radar data, witness testimonies, and the aircraft’s technical logs,” stated a spokesperson for the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). “The activation of the emergency power generator is an important lead that we are actively pursuing, but it does not, in itself, explain the cause of the crash. Our priority is to establish a comprehensive understanding of what happened and to prevent such a tragedy from happening again.”

The investigation team is also looking into the possibility of pilot fatigue, inadequate training, and any potential issues with the aircraft's maintenance history. Air India Express has a large fleet of Boeing 737 aircraft and the safety record of the airline is under scrutiny.

The families of the victims are understandably grieving and demanding answers. Authorities have assured them that a full and transparent investigation will be conducted, and that all findings will be made public. The report's conclusion regarding the emergency power system adds another layer of complexity to the investigation, and it will undoubtedly be a key area of focus as investigators work to piece together the events that led to this devastating loss of life. The ongoing inquiry aims to bring clarity and closure to the families affected and to ensure the highest standards of aviation safety in India.

The investigation is expected to take several months to complete, and the findings will be crucial in shaping future aviation safety protocols and regulations in India.

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