Air India has grounded three Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners for thorough investigations following a fatal crash that claimed the lives of 241 individuals earlier this year. The tragic incident occurred on June 12 in Ahmedabad, resulting in the death of all but one of the 242 people on board. The decision to halt operations of the three newest Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners was made in light of four significant in-flight incidents.
This development follows a recent statement from India’s Supreme Court indicating that the pilot of the crashed Air India flight should not be held responsible. The court highlighted that the initial report on the crash did not implicate the captain, but it will review a request from the pilot’s father for an independent probe.
In June, Air India Flight 171 bound for London Gatwick crashed into a building shortly after departure from Ahmedabad, leading to the loss of 241 lives onboard and 19 on the ground. The only survivor, Briton Viswashkumar Ramesh, expressed being emotionally devastated by the ordeal. Meanwhile, Pushkar Raj Sabharwal, the father of pilot Sumeet Sabharwal, has urged the Supreme Court to authorize an investigation by a panel of aviation experts into the incident.
Sumeet Sabharwal served as the pilot-in-command during the tragic flight, with Clive Kunder as the first officer. Sabharwal has called for an impartial committee to examine the Boeing 787 Dreamliner crash and criticized the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB). Allegations were made against his son by AAIB officials claiming he tampered with the fuel controls after take-off, which the government refuted, asserting the thoroughness of the investigation.
A preliminary report released by the AAIB in July disclosed that fuel control switches in the cockpit were found in a “CUTOFF” position. The report also mentioned a conversation in the cockpit where one pilot questioned the other about cutting off fuel, to which the response was denial. Both pilots had extensive experience, totaling approximately 19,000 flying hours, including over 9,000 on the 787 aircraft.
Among the 241 individuals on board, 53 were UK citizens. Viswashkumar Ramesh, the lone survivor, continues to endure physical discomfort post-crash, suffering from various injuries. Ramesh has been offered an initial compensation of £21,500 as part of his ongoing personal injury claim process.
