Pakistan hand, dead Boeing whistleblower’s warning, lone survivor’s role: Air India crash fuels wild theories

A devastating air crash occurred on Thursday afternoon when Air India Flight AI 171 (Boeing 787 Dreamliner), crashed shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. The plane, which was bound for London, crashed into a medical college complex, killing 241 people and leaving only one survivor.

The flight was carrying 242 passengers and crew members, including 168 Indians, 53 British nationals, seven Portuguese citizens and one Canadian. Former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani was among the passengers.

While investigations are underway, the exact cause of the crash remains unknown. Boeing and Air India have both extended condolences to the families of the victims.

Speculation grows online, blaming Pakistan, Khalistanis and more

In the absence of confirmed information, social media has become a breeding ground for conspiracy theories. Various users have suggested sabotage, pointing fingers at Pakistan’s intelligence agency, Kashmiri separatists, and pro-Khalistani groups, especially in the wake of a recent terror attack in Pahalgam.

Some theories have tried to link the crash to the Indian Prime Minister’s upcoming visit to Canada for the G7 summit, implying that extremist elements may have targeted the flight because of past threats made against Air India. Others have speculated about the lone survivor’s actions, suggesting he might have interfered with the emergency door, although aviation professionals have ruled out this possibility due to pressurisation safeguards.

Additionally, questions have been raised about Air India’s use of a Turkish firm for maintaining its wide-body aircraft, though no evidence has surfaced linking this to the crash.

Boeing’s Dreamliner under scrutiny again

Thursday’s tragedy has brought fresh attention to Boeing’s long-standing manufacturing and safety issues, particularly involving its 787 Dreamliner.

Although Boeing maintained a strong safety record for 14 years, recent incidents have raised serious concerns. In December 2023, a Boeing 737-800 crash in South Korea killed 179 of the 181 people on board. The aircraft burst into flames after hitting a concrete wall at the end of a runway.

The 787 Dreamliner series, used in the Ahmedabad crash, has faced a number of technical problems since 2013. That year, the entire fleet was grounded due to incidents of battery fires. Later, Boeing had to suspend all Dreamliner deliveries for almost two years because of manufacturing defects, including structural gaps and use of non-compliant materials.

Whistleblower’s suspicious death revives doubts

Concerns about Boeing’s practices grew even further earlier this year when John Barnett, a former quality manager at the company’s South Carolina plant, was found dead shortly after testifying in a legal case involving Boeing. Barnett had previously warned that some safety procedures were being overlooked and that defective parts were being installed.

Although authorities ruled his death a suicide and found no signs of foul play, many social media users have connected his death to Boeing’s internal issues. His earlier warnings about poor production quality have resurfaced in public discussions following Thursday’s crash.

Boeing’s past crashes and legal troubles

Boeing is still recovering from the fallout of two previous disasters involving its 737 Max aircraft, which crashed in 2018 and 2019, killing 346 people. In May this year, the company reached a settlement with the US Department of Justice that allowed it to avoid criminal prosecution for those incidents.

Despite Boeing’s assurances that it has corrected past errors, critics continue to question the company’s approach to safety and quality control.

Investigation begins

A detailed investigation into the Ahmedabad crash has begun, with Indian authorities expected to work alongside international aviation experts. Boeing has confirmed that it will cooperate fully with the inquiry.

Public is advised to avoid spreading misinformation or jumping to conclusions. Baseless theories can hamper the investigation and add to the trauma experienced by the victims’ families.