Why No Safety Warnings for B787 Fleet, US Aviation Group Asks AAIB
US aviation group FAS questions AAIB for not issuing safety recommendations for Boeing 787 fleet despite evidence of system failures in Air India 171 crash.
Intelligence analysis by Qwen 2.5 (3B)
US aviation group FAS asks AAIB to issue safety warnings for Boeing 787 fleet after receiving evidence of system failures in Air India 171 crash.
A group of safety experts found problems with a plane's wires and other parts. They told the people who check for plane safety that the plane might be unsafe. But the safety checkers haven't told anyone yet.
Analysis
FAS's Evidence of System Failures
FAS, a US aviation safety group, has provided AAIB with over 100 non-public documents detailing chronic system failures on the Air India 171 aircraft, which crashed in Ahmedabad, India in 2018, killing 260 people.
Electrical Wiring Interconnection System (EWIS)
The documents highlight recurring failures in the EWIS, a critical aircraft system that distributes electricity, data, and signals throughout the aircraft. The EWIS spans over 150 km of wiring, 3,500 connectors, and 40,000 cable segments.
Power Distribution Failures
In addition to EWIS failures, the documents also reveal primary power distribution failures, including issues with power generation, stable electrical power, and problems with open and short circuits, arcing, and fire.
AAIB's Response
AAIB has not issued interim safety recommendations or warnings to the global aviation community despite having evidence of system failures. FAS claims this is due to AAIB's failure to follow fair and impartial practices.
Internal Warnings
In the past, FAS founder Ed Pierson raised internal warnings about overworked and error-prone production teams at Boeing's Renton 737 factory, which went unheeded. FAS has since been pressing AAIB on the Air India 171 investigation.
Stakeholder Recognition
FAS has asked to be formally recognized as a stakeholder in the investigation and for its technical findings to be included in the investigation record. AAIB confirmed receiving the documents via a UK AAIB expert and examining them, but did not respond to FAS's allegations of suppressing vital B787 safety information.
Key points
- FAS provided AAIB with over 100 non-public documents detailing system failures on the Air India 171 aircraft.
- AAIB has not issued safety recommendations or warnings despite having evidence of system failures.
- FAS founder Ed Pierson raised internal warnings about overworked and error-prone production teams at Boeing's Renton 737 factory.
If AAIB follows FAS's advice and issues safety warnings, it could prevent future accidents and save lives.
If AAIB ignores FAS's concerns, the plane might still be unsafe, and more people could die in future crashes.
