Aviation Safety Report Flags Electronic Issues in Boeing 787 Fleet

New Delhi: A crucial international report by the Foundation for Aviation Safety has highlighted persistent electronic system flaws in Boeing 787 aircraft, potentially linked to the Air India 171 crash in Ahmedabad. The report, submitted this month to the United Nations Senate Permanent Subcommittee on December 12, warns that these issues have been repeatedly overlooked by manufacturers despite early warnings.

The report details several incidents, including circuit malfunctions, short circuits, and overheating. In January 2022, a primary panel (P100) reportedly caught fire and was replaced, yet similar problems have continued over time. According to the report, such electronic system defects have been deliberately ignored by manufacturers, raising serious concerns about the safety of Boeing 787 flights worldwide.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is currently investigating the Ahmedabad crash. The Aviation Safety report, which surfaced during the inquiry, corroborates earlier findings by the Aviation Investigation Bureau (AIB). The AIB had also highlighted electrical and circuit issues in Boeing 787 aircraft, reinforcing the warning that these technical flaws may contribute to accidents if left unaddressed.

The report emphasises that repeated avoidance of safety warnings, coupled with persisting electronic malfunctions, including heavy heating, circuit failures, and panel fires, poses a potential risk to passengers and crew. Experts say urgent corrective action is needed to ensure the safety of the global Boeing 787 fleet.