Why is News :
- An Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner flying from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick crashed shortly after takeoff near Meghani Nagar, Ahmedabad, with 242 people on board. The cause of the crash is currently under investigation.
Context & Background
- The incident has raised renewed concerns over aviation safety, especially involving the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, already under global scrutiny due to earlier safety lapses.
- The crash comes amid ongoing investigations into Boeing’s production practices and whistleblower allegations.
- Takeoff and landing are known to be the riskiest flight phases, supported by global accident data.
Key Issues & Implications
Boeing’s Safety Record under Scanner
- Ongoing FAA investigations.
Past whistleblower complaints:
- Sam Salehpour (2024): Claimed structural issues in 787.
- John Barnett (2019): Alleged use of faulty parts.
Pattern of Incidents
- 2013: Lithium-ion battery fires led to global grounding.
- 2018–19: Boeing 737 Max crashes led to regulatory reforms.
- 2024: Latam Airlines mid-air drop due to human error.
Aviation Safety Gaps
- Inadequate regulation and oversight in manufacturing.
- Need for robust quality control in high-capacity aircraft.
- Stress on safety during takeoff & landing phases (as per IATA & Boeing data).
Public Confidence & Policy Response
- Crash damages public confidence in civil aviation.
- Likely to trigger review of DGCA’s oversight in India
- Questions on aircraft maintenance audits, emergency preparedness.
Emergency Response & Urban Planning
- Crash site in a densely populated area prompts review of air corridor planning around urban hubs.
- Highlights the importance of disaster preparedness near airports.
International Scrutiny & Diplomatic Ramifications
- FAA, ICAO, and other global regulators likely to intensify inspections of Boeing aircraft globally.
- Could affect India’s aviation diplomacy and fleet modernisation plans.
Why Most Plane Crashes Happen During Takeoff and Landing
Key Statistics
IATA (2005–2023):
- Landing: 53%
- Takeoff: 8.5%
- Approach: 8.5%
- Initial climb: 6.1%
- Rejected takeoff: 1.8%
Boeing (2015–2024):
- Takeoff + Initial Climb: 20% of fatal accidents, despite only 2% exposure
- Final Approach + Landing: 47% of accidents, 37% of fatalities
- Cruise: Only 10% of fatal accidents, with <0.5% fatalities, despite 57% exposure
Reasons These Phases Are Risky
Low Altitude + Low Speed:
- Less reaction time; limited margin for error.
High Engine Stress (Takeoff):
- Engines are under maximum load, increasing failure risk.
Pilot Workload (Landing):
- Real-time judgments needed for descent, alignment, and braking.
Wing Stall Risk:
- Occurs if the angle of attack is too steep.
- Airflow detaches, lift is lost, risking a crash.
Environmental Hazards:
- Bird strikes, turbulence, and bad weather are more likely near the ground.
Despite the Risk, Flying Is Still Safe
ICAO Data:
- Accident rate fell from 4.9 to 1.9 per million departures (2005–2023)
Fatalities Declining:
- Due to better materials, tech, pilot training, and weather systems.
UPSC Relevance
GS Paper 3:
Disaster Management: Aviation accidents, urban vulnerability; Infrastructure: Civil aviation safety, public transport systems; Science & Technology: Aircraft engineering, safety regulations; Security Issues: Regulatory oversight & public safety.
GS Paper 2:
Governance: Role of regulators (DGCA, FAA, ICAO), international cooperation; Accountability: Role of whistleblowers and transparency in aerospace corporations.
UPSC Mains Question
Q. The Air India Boeing 787 crash raises concerns about aviation safety and regulatory oversight in India. Critically examine the systemic challenges in ensuring flight safety and suggest reforms needed to restore public confidence in the civil aviation sector.(250 words)