Boeing Faces Global Scrutiny After Fatal Air India Flight 171 Crash
Seattle, June 15, 2025 – Boeing is under mounting international scrutiny following the catastrophic crash of Air India Flight 171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, which went down moments after takeoff from Ahmedabad, India, on June 12. The disaster marks the first fatal crash involving the Dreamliner model and has triggered a wave of concern among regulators, airlines, and investors worldwide.
Tragedy Strikes Minutes After Takeoff
Flight AI171, bound for London Gatwick, departed Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at 13:39 local time. Within a minute, the aircraft lost altitude and crashed into the campus of a medical college in Ahmedabad’s Meghaninagar area, resulting in a massive fireball and widespread devastation. Of the 242 people on board—including 230 passengers and 12 crew—only one British national survived. At least five medical students on the ground were also among the dead, bringing the death toll to at least 270.
Emergency responders faced harrowing scenes, with many victims’ remains unrecognizable due to the intensity of the fire. As of Sunday, only 19 victims had been identified through DNA analysis. Rescue and recovery efforts are ongoing, with the crash site and affected buildings cordoned off for investigation.
Experienced Crew, Sudden Catastrophe
The cockpit was crewed by Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, 55, who was considering early retirement, and First Officer Clive Kunder, 32, who was early in his career. Together, they had nearly 10,000 hours of flight experience. Investigators note that the crew had almost no opportunity to recover control as the aircraft began its fatal descent.
Investigation and Regulatory Response
Both the flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder—critical for determining the cause—have been recovered, though one was damaged but is expected to yield usable data. Indian authorities have launched a high-level investigation, with U.S. experts set to join the probe. Early lines of inquiry include possible issues with the deployment of wing flaps and slats, and why the landing gear remained extended, increasing drag.
India’s aviation regulator has ordered Air India to conduct immediate additional maintenance checks on its Boeing fleet. There are reports that the Indian government is considering grounding all Boeing 787-8 aircraft pending a comprehensive safety review.
Boeing’s Response and Industry Impact
Boeing President and CEO Kelly Ortberg expressed condolences and pledged full cooperation with investigators, stating the company is “ready to support Air India and authorities in any way possible”. The crash has dealt a severe blow to Boeing’s reputation, already under pressure from previous safety crises involving the 737 MAX and recent production quality concerns raised by whistleblowers.
Boeing’s stock fell over 6.5% in pre-market trading after news of the crash, reflecting deep investor anxiety about the company’s ongoing safety and regulatory challenges.
Broader Implications
The crash has reignited debate over aviation safety and Boeing’s manufacturing practices. Industry experts emphasize the need for a thorough, transparent investigation before assigning blame, while some U.S. media outlets have faced criticism for prematurely speculating on the cause. Despite this setback, Boeing recently secured a major order from Qatar Airways, suggesting continued industry confidence in its long-term prospects.
As investigators analyze the recovered black boxes, the global aviation community awaits answers that could have far-reaching consequences for Boeing and airline safety standards worldwide.