AHMEDABAD: Officials from the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) visited the site of the Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad that killed at least 271 people, as families of victims continued to await the results of DNA identification.
The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, which was carrying 242 passengers and crew en route to London’s Gatwick Airport, crashed seconds after take-off on Thursday. The aircraft lost altitude rapidly and exploded upon impact with buildings, leaving only one survivor and causing the deaths of around 30 people on the ground.
Sources confirmed that teams from both the NTSB and FAA arrived in Ahmedabad to support the investigation, with Boeing and GE — the aircraft and engine manufacturers — also sending representatives. US Transport Secretary Sean Duffy said that the US would cooperate fully and act on any recommendations resulting from the investigation.
Although India is leading the investigation, the NTSB is the designated US agency to assist, while the FAA will provide technical expertise. Boeing’s inspection is expected to cover multiple factors including engine thrust, flap settings, and the landing gear status at the time of take-off.
India’s aviation regulator has directed all local carriers operating Boeing 787 aircraft to carry out inspections. The crash poses a serious challenge to both Air India, which has been upgrading its fleet, and Boeing, which has faced scrutiny over several recent safety and production concerns.
Authorities in Ahmedabad are facing difficulties identifying the severely burnt bodies. Doctors are relying on dental records and DNA testing to match remains with family members. On Sunday, hospital official Rajnish Patel confirmed that DNA samples of 32 victims had been successfully matched and bodies were being handed over to families.
A total of 10 US and Indian officials were present at the crash site over the weekend as the investigation continues.
