On Thursday, an Air India 787-8 Dreamliner, designated Flight 171, tragically crashed moments after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad, India.

The aircraft, which was en route to London Gatwick, was carrying 230 passengers and 12 crew members.

Reports indicate that only one person survived the incident, marking it as the worst aviation disaster in India in decades.

The crash occurred shortly after takeoff, with video evidence showing the plane descending slowly over a residential area before erupting in flames upon impact.

Boeing, the manufacturer of the Dreamliner, has faced scrutiny regarding its safety record, particularly following previous issues with other models, including the 737 MAX.

Following the crash, Boeing's shares fell by 4.8% on Wall Street, reigniting discussions around potential safety concerns related to the design and operational performance of its aircraft.

There are currently around 1,200 Dreamliners in service globally, and the aircraft has traditionally been lauded for its fuel efficiency and innovative materials.

Experts have started to analyze possible causes of the crash.

Dr. Oleksandra Molloy, a senior lecturer in aviation studies, suggested that human error, such as incorrect weight entry by the crew, could have contributed to insufficient lift.

Additionally, it has been reported that the landing gear remained extended and wing flaps were not properly deployed at takeoff, both of which are critical for maximizing lift at low speeds.

Richard Aboulafia, managing director of AeroDynamic Advisory, noted that despite the significant number of Dreamliners in operation and their extensive flight experience, it is still possible for design flaws to exist.

However, he cautioned against concluding that the recent crash is indicative of broader design issues without a thorough investigation.

In the aftermath of the crash, US officials, including Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, have indicated that it is premature to make hasty conclusions about the circumstances or implications for the 787 program.

An investigation has been launched to uncover the factors leading to the crash, and US authorities have not signaled any immediate need to ground the Dreamliner fleet.

The Air India incident adds a new layer of complexity for Boeing, which has been recovering from the fallout of previous high-profile incidents involving the 737 MAX.

The grounding of the 737 MAX fleet following two fatal crashes in 2018 and 2019 raised critical questions about Boeing’s safety culture and operational practices.

The company saw its stock price decline and faced financial losses exceeding $35 billion since the onset of its controversies.

Boeing's chief executive, Kelly Ortberg, expressed condolences to the victims and stated that investigations should proceed without interference.

The incident has also impacted shares of GE Aerospace, the manufacturer of the engines used in the Dreamliner, leading to a 2.2% drop in their stock price.

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner is notable for being the first commercial aircraft built predominantly from lightweight carbon-composite materials, which provide significant fuel savings and operational flexibility.

Despite facing challenges in its development, including a four-month grounding due to battery issues in 2013, the aircraft has generally been well-received in the aviation market with over 1,189 currently in operation and nearly 900 more on order.

Aviation officials have collectively noted the importance of a thorough investigation to ascertain the causes of the Air India crash, reflecting the broader implications for Boeing’s reputation and the aviation safety landscape.