Air India Crash: US Investigators Join Probe as Families Await Victims’ Bodies

US investigators have arrived in Ahmedabad, India, to examine the site of the Air India crash that claimed at least 271 lives. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner erupted into flames after take-off, marking the world’s deadliest aviation disaster in a decade. Meanwhile, grieving families continue to wait for the identification and return of their loved ones’ remains.

Crash Investigation Underway

Officials from the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) surveyed the crash site on Sunday. India is leading the investigation, but the NTSB and FAA are providing technical and logistical support. Boeing and GE, the manufacturers of the aircraft and its engines, have also dispatched teams to assist.

The aircraft was headed for Gatwick Airport in the UK when it lost altitude shortly after take-off. It crashed into nearby buildings, killing almost everyone onboard and about 30 people on the ground. Only one passenger reportedly survived.

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Key Mechanical Concerns

Authorities are exploring potential faults involving engine thrust, flap settings, and the landing gear, which reportedly remained extended during take-off. US Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy confirmed that both FAA and NTSB teams were deployed to assess the situation. Boeing’s inspectors will also evaluate flight angles and aircraft configuration to determine possible causes.

Efforts to Identify Victims

Doctors in Ahmedabad are struggling to identify severely burned victims. Forensic teams are using dental records and DNA testing to match bodies with families. So far, 32 victims have been identified through DNA profiling, and their remains are being released respectfully.

Impact on Aviation Sector

India’s aviation authority has ordered inspections of all Boeing 787 aircraft currently in service with local carriers. The crash poses serious challenges for both Air India, which is in the midst of a major fleet overhaul, and Boeing, which continues to face scrutiny over its safety standards.

As investigations deepen, families across India mourn while awaiting answers—and closure.

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