Ahmedabad plane crash: Boeing aircraft had no technical faults, says Air India; investigation team yet to rule out possibility of sabotage

NEW DELHI: Air India CEO Campbell Wilson said that the Boeing aircraft involved in the Ahmedabad plane crash, which claimed 270 lives, had no technical faults. According to Wilson, the aircraft had no issues before its flight to London.

"The plane was well-maintained. Engine inspections had been carried out properly. The right engine underwent maintenance in March, and the left engine was checked in April. The next inspection was scheduled for the coming December," Wilson said.

Meanwhile, the investigation team has not ruled out the possibility of sabotage. The investigators had questioned the maintenance and ground handling staff over the last few days. Their mobile phones were seized, and CCTV footage is being reviewed. These employees were responsible for clearing the aircraft for takeoff, inspecting its interior, refuelling, giving hand signals, providing wheelchair assistance, managing gates, and handling cargo loading.

Leading national media outlets reported that the investigation team has not ruled out the possibility of an act of terror. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau is leading the probe, with support from the Gujarat Police, the Airports Authority, and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation. A high-level committee formed by the central government is also conducting its own investigation.

Data from the cockpit voice recorder and black box are being examined in detail. In parallel, the US National Transportation Safety Board and the US Federal Aviation Administration are conducting their own investigations. Boeing company officials and aviation experts from the UK are currently stationed in Ahmedabad as part of the ongoing inquiry.