Boeing 787 Ahmedabad Crash: US Safety Group Flags Long-Standing Defects

• US-based Foundation for Aviation Safety (FAS) report highlights serious safety concerns regarding the Boeing 787-8 (VT-ANB) that crashed in Ahmedabad.
• The report, presented to the US Senate, states the aircraft had technical faults dating back to its first day with Air India, logging "engineering, manufacturing, quality and maintenance problems" over 11 years.
• FAS identified multiple manufacturing defects including faulty fuel control cut-off switch locking, improperly installed fuselage fasteners, oxygen supply tubing issues, landing gear problems, and Ram Air Turbine (RAT) pump barrel assembly failure.
• Earlier design-related defects like flight control module faults and missed ATC communication issues were also mentioned, suggesting a combination of weaknesses contributed to ongoing failures.
• The report challenges initial investigations focusing on pilot action, alleging similar failures in other Boeing 787s globally, indicating systemic issues.

Why It Matters: US safety group links Ahmedabad Boeing 787 crash to long-standing, unaddressed defects and systemic issues.