Dreamliner’s first fatal crash renews doubts over Boeing safety

The recent fatal crash of an Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner near Ahmedabad marks the first deadly incident involving this widely used aircraft model and has reignited global concerns about Boeing’s manufacturing practices and overall safety. Flight AI171, carrying 242 passengers and crew, crashed shortly after takeoff, prompting an official investigation by India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) and the formation of a high-level committee to review aviation safety protocols. While no mechanical failure has been officially confirmed, attention has turned to prior whistleblower warnings from former Boeing engineer Sam Salehpour, who in 2024 alleged that Boeing took manufacturing shortcuts on the 787 and 777 models. Salehpour claimed that improperly filled gaps in the fuselage assembly and misaligned parts—sometimes temporarily forced into place by workers physically jumping on components—could compromise structural integrity and increase the risk of catastrophic failure over time. Boeing has denied these allegations, maintaining the Dreamliner’s safety, but the FAA investigated Salehp