Damning presentation highlights recurring electrical faults in crashed jet
Fresh allegations regarding the tragic aviation disaster in Ahmedabad have surfaced, bringing the safety record of the aircraft involved into sharp focus. A prominent aviation safety NGO has reportedly submitted a detailed presentation to the US Senate, claiming that the Boeing 787 Dreamliner operated by Air India was plagued by technical issues long before its fatal crash.
The Foundation for Aviation Safety, led by former Boeing factory manager Ed Pierson, has urged investigators to look beyond pilot error. According to reports cited by the BBC, the group’s presentation to the US Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations alleges that the specific aircraft—registered as VT-ANB—suffered from system malfunctions starting from its very first day of service in 2014.
History of Technical Glitches
Documents held by the safety group reportedly reveal a troubling history for this specific Boeing 787 Dreamliner. The allegations point to severe engineering and manufacturing defects. These include recurring software faults, short circuits, damaged wiring, and overheating of critical power components.
One of the most alarming claims involves an incident in January 2022. The report states that a high-voltage power distribution panel (P100) on the aircraft caught fire during a descent into Frankfurt. Pilots were alerted by fault messages, and subsequent inspections necessitated a complete replacement of the panel. The NGO argues that the aircraft’s heavy reliance on electrical systems over traditional mechanical parts has introduced complex risks, citing similar battery fire issues that grounded the fleet worldwide in 2013.
Debate Over Cause of Crash
The release of these documents comes amidst a heated debate regarding the cause of the Air India crash in Ahmedabad. A preliminary report by India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) noted that fuel control switches were moved to "cut-off" moments after takeoff, leading to a loss of thrust. This sparked speculation about pilot error.
However, the Foundation for Aviation Safety argues that focusing solely on the pilots ignores the deeper, systemic flaws of the aircraft. They contend that over 2,000 reports of failures exist regarding the 787 model across the US, Canada, and Australia.
While Boeing maintains that the 787 is a safe and reliable aircraft with a strong service record, the NGO is calling for intensified scrutiny into the technical evidence. The official investigation, involving Indian and US authorities, is ongoing.
