India likely to ground Boeing 787-8 fleet, Centre for detailed inspections

NEW DELHI: The second-worst air accident in the country was witnessed in Ahmedabad yesterday. National media reports indicate that the central government is taking a crucial decision following this accident. Reports say the center is considering grounding all Boeing Dreamliner 787-8 aircraft in the country. 'Action will be taken based on the investigation into the accident,' clarify various sources.

Various sources hint that the American-made aircraft are being grounded for safety checking. Talks between India and US agencies are underway in this regard. Air India flight AI 171 bound to London, crashed soon after takeoff from Ahmedabad on Thursday at around 1.30 pm. There were 242 people on board, including 230 passengers and 12 crew members. Of these, only a British citizen of Indian origin survived. It is reported that more than 290 people, including those in the hospital have died.

According to the available footage of the accident, it is believed that the cause of the disaster may have been either the failure of both the aircraft's engines to get the necessary thrust for takeoff or a bird strike.

The pilot's 'Mayday call' reached the air traffic control at the airport immediately after the accident of the Air India flight. The pilot reported that the aircraft was not getting the necessary thrust to lift off. But after that, lost contact. The aircraft then lost control and crashed into a building. A Mayday call is a message given by pilots in the event of a severe emergency. The word Mayday is derived from the French word 'maider', which means 'help me'.