Aviation safety campaigners in the United States say they have evidence a plane that crashed in India last year had previously suffered a series of technical failures, including an in-flight fire.
The Boeing 787 Dreamliner crashed on 12 June, shortly after taking off from Ahmedabad en route to London, killing 260 people.
The Foundation for Aviation Safety, a US campaign group, has sent a presentation to the US Senate outlining its findings, claiming these are based on documents acquired that highlight the aircraft's defect history.
The investigation into the accident is ongoing, with an interim report raising speculation. Boeing has declined to comment.
The aircraft, registered as VT-ANB, was one of the earliest 787s built and had a troubling operational history since its launch in 2014. The Foundation cites various failures, including electronics faults, circuit breaker issues, and overheating of components.
Significantly, a fire occurred in January 2022 within one of the power distribution panels, prompting concerns about the aircraft’s electrical systems.
The Foundation's findings, part of a broader examination of Boeing's safety culture, have been submitted to the US Senate, spurring discussion about accountability in aviation safety.
While Boeing maintains the 787 is safe with a long operational history, the controversy surrounding the crash continues, diving into deeper questions about regulatory oversight and maintenance practices.
The investigations highlight a shift from pilot error theories toward understanding potential systemic issues within the aircraft design and operation.
