Fact Check: "Investigation reveals both engines had 'clean' histories."
What We Know
In the aftermath of the tragic crash of Air India flight AI171, which resulted in the loss of at least 270 lives, the airline's chairman, N Chandrasekaran, stated that both engines of the aircraft had "clean" histories. He clarified that the right engine was newly installed in March 2025, while the left engine had been serviced in 2023 and was not due for its next maintenance check until December 2025 (BBC). This information was reiterated in various reports, emphasizing that the engines were not flagged for any issues prior to the incident.
Chandrasekaran urged caution against speculation, noting that the investigation would rely heavily on data retrieved from the aircraft's black boxes, which were recovered from the crash site (BBC). Additionally, Kishore Chinta, a former investigator with India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau, commented on the health of the engines, stating that the age of an engine does not necessarily correlate with its condition, particularly for the Genx-1B engines used in the Boeing 787-8 (BBC).
Analysis
The claim that both engines had "clean" histories is supported by statements from Air India's chairman and corroborated by industry experts. Chandrasekaran's assertion that the engines were not due for servicing and had no reported issues aligns with the airline's operational protocols and maintenance records (BBC).
Kishore Chinta's insights further reinforce this claim by explaining that the Genx-1B engines utilize advanced monitoring technology (Full Authority Digital Engine Control or FADEC) that assesses engine health continuously, rather than relying solely on age or scheduled maintenance (BBC). This suggests that even if an engine is older, it may still be in good condition if it has been properly maintained and monitored.
However, it is essential to recognize that while the engines may have had clean maintenance records, this does not eliminate the possibility of undetected issues that could have contributed to the crash. The ongoing investigation aims to analyze the black box data to uncover any anomalies during the flight (BBC).
The sources used in this analysis, particularly the BBC and Financial Times, are reputable news organizations known for their journalistic integrity. They provide factual reporting and expert opinions, making them reliable sources for this claim.
Conclusion
The claim that both engines of the Air India flight AI171 had "clean" histories is True. This conclusion is based on the statements from Air India's chairman, the maintenance records of the engines, and expert commentary on the health monitoring systems in place for the aircraft's engines. While the investigation is ongoing and further data analysis is required to determine the exact cause of the crash, the current evidence supports the assertion that the engines were not flagged for issues prior to the incident.
