Latent Defect Trigger Air India-171Crash? Top Expert Christine Negroni On New Revelations| Air Crash

What Caused The AI-171 Crash? Top Expert Christine Negroni On The FAS Report Hinting Latent Defect  What Caused The Air India-171 Crash? FAS Report Hints At Latent Defect In Boeing Dreamliners | Top Investigation expert Christine Negroni Weighs In
On June 12, 2025, Air India flight AI-171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, crashed moments after takeoff from Ahmedabad, killing 241 of 242 people on board and over a dozen on the ground. The tragedy has raised urgent questions about aircraft safety, system failures, and accountability.

As the Ahmedabad plane crash investigation continues, a preliminary report by India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) suggests a possible fuel cut-off switch malfunction. However, investigators are examining multiple technical and operational factors behind the AI-171 crash.

A new report by the US-based Foundation of Aviation Safety (FAS) reveals that the Boeing 787 Dreamliner involved in the Air India AI-171 crash had faced repeated electrical and mechanical failures during its service life. The report also warns of a potential “latent defect” in Boeing 787 aircraft, a hidden flaw that could have triggered the fuel switch failure and cascading system breakdowns.

While aircraft crash investigations are complex and evidence-driven, aviation safety experts say the FAS latent defect findings must be taken seriously to prevent future disasters.

In this episode of Open Mic, Republic’s Editor of Digital News Operations, Himanshu Shekhar, speaks with renowned aviation journalist and air safety expert Christine Negroni, author of the New York Times bestseller Crash Detectives. Negroni explains why every possible cause behind the Ahmedabad Air India plane crash must be pursued, because uncovering the full truth is the only way to ensure such tragedies never happen again.

Watch till the end for expert insights on Boeing 787 safety, fuel system failures, and what this investigation could mean for global aviation.