Ahmedabad Crash: Ex-Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha Flags Boeing Whistleblower Concerns, Calls for Probe

Former IAF Chief Arup Raha says whistleblower claims from Boeing must be investigated, and engine power loss during takeoff likely caused AI-171’s fatal stall.

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Sumit Kumar
New Update
Ahmedabad Crash

By A Staff Reporter

Kolkata, June 13 — In the wake of the Ahmedabad Air India Flight AI-171 crash, former Chief of the Indian Air Force, Air Chief Marshal (Retd.) Arup Raha, has called for a serious look into internal concerns raised about the aircraft manufacturer, Boeing, as part of the broader investigation into the tragedy that claimed 241 lives.

Speaking to the media, Raha said,

“There is something to it. There are complaints, whistleblowers from their own company (Boeing) that need to be investigated. As of now, it is very difficult to say what has gone wrong.”

His remarks refer to past and recent whistleblower reports that have alleged safety oversights and quality issues in Boeing's manufacturing and testing processes—allegations that have drawn attention globally after previous incidents involving Boeing aircraft.

Raha emphasized the extreme vulnerability of an aircraft during takeoff, where low altitude and limited speed offer almost no margin for error or recovery.

“At this critical stage, when speed and height are less, there is no time for recovery. Loss of engine power will result in stall, meaning the aircraft cannot sustain flight, and it will descend very rapidly and crash,” he explained.

His comments echo broader concerns being raised by aviation experts and former airline officials, many of whom have pointed to the need for a transparent, thorough, and independent investigation into the possible causes of the crash — including technical failures, software glitches, or systemic issues within aircraft design or maintenance protocols.