A Boeing 787-8 operated by Air India, which crashed in Ahmedabad last year resulting in the loss of 241 lives, reportedly had a long history of serious electrical and technical issues, according to a US-based aviation safety organisation.
The Foundation for Aviation Safety (FAS) has claimed access to “non-public” documents detailing multiple defects associated with the aircraft, including fire-damaged power panels, bus tie bar failures, core network malfunctions, electrical transients, and open circuit faults.
Despite sharing these findings with both the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), the organisation stated that it has not received any substantive response from either body.
Allegations of Longstanding Electrical Instability
Ed Pierson, Executive Director of FAS, stated that the aircraft had an 11-year documented history of significant electrical and electronic failures.
“This aircraft exhibited recurring issues across multiple systems — including bus power control units and flight management computers — indicating a pattern of unstable electrical power,” Pierson said. “These were not minor discrepancies; several incidents were severe enough to force emergency diversions and temporary grounding of the aircraft.”
He emphasised that the pattern of faults warrants thorough scrutiny, suggesting that these issues may have played a critical role in the accident.
Concerns Over Investigative Transparency
Pierson further alleged that repeated attempts to engage with US investigators yielded limited response. According to him, intervention from staff within the US Senate was required before the NTSB acknowledged receipt of the materials.
Even then, Pierson claimed, the review process appeared delayed. “It should not take more than a short period to assess the importance of such documentation,” he noted, adding that follow-ups were met with indications that the material was still under review.
The FAS has also contacted the AAIB to determine whether these technical records have been incorporated into its ongoing investigation but has yet to receive confirmation.
Joe Jacobsen, Deputy Director at FAS, expressed concerns regarding the overall transparency of the investigative process. He indicated that the organisation currently has limited confidence that all relevant technical aspects—particularly electrical system failures—are being adequately examined.
Broader Safety Concerns Raised
Pierson also drew parallels with previous aviation incidents, including those involving the Boeing 737 MAX, where critical information was allegedly not effectively shared among international investigators.
He further suggested the possibility that key technical data may not have been fully disclosed to investigative authorities, raising questions about compliance with international aviation safety standards.
While acknowledging that the Boeing 787 programme generally maintains a strong safety record, Pierson noted that it has also faced historical challenges related to electrical systems, alongside developmental delays and cost overruns.
The specific aircraft involved, identified as VT-ANB, was reportedly grounded for extended periods prior to certification and is said to have experienced technical issues from the time it entered service in India.
Ongoing Investigation
The crash remains under investigation by relevant authorities, with expectations that a comprehensive analysis will determine the contributing factors. The latest claims by FAS are likely to intensify scrutiny over both aircraft maintenance history and the transparency of the investigative process.
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