FIP Seeks Comprehensive Evaluation of Boeing 787 Electrical System Evidence in AI-171 Crash Probe

The Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP) has written to the Director General of the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), seeking a comprehensive evaluation of Boeing 787 electrical system evidence.

In its letter dated September 18, FIP emphasized the need for an independent and objective investigation into the Air India AI-171 accident, which occurred on June 12 last year. The crash claimed 260 lives, including 229 passengers, 12 crew members, and 19 people on the ground.

FIP highlighted the importance of examining all available evidence related to the operational history and technical condition of the aircraft, particularly the electrical generation, distribution, monitoring, flight-control, avionics, data-network, and aircraft management systems. The pilots' body noted that the Boeing 787 is among the most electrically dependent commercial aircraft ever produced.

FIP requested the investigation team to review historical maintenance and reliability data, including aircraft technical log entries, maintenance logbook records, deferred defects, repetitive defect reports, troubleshooting records, component removals and replacements, service difficulty reports, reliability monitoring records, and engineering corrective actions. The organization also sought a detailed examination of electrical and electronic system performance.