Fox host Brian Kilmeade faced criticism during a Fox News broadcast for suggesting India might bear responsibility for a Boeing aircraft crash, prompting a sharp rebuttal from aviation expert Mike Boyd, who defended the country’s aviation safety standards.

The controversy emerged during a Fox & Friends segment on Thursday morning, June 12, when Kilmeade questioned Boyd about an Air India flight that crashed with 242 people on board outside Ahmedabad. There was only one survivor. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner had just taken off en route to London Gatwick Airport when it appeared to lose power before going down in a residential area near Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport.

Kilmeade initially floated the possibility that the incident might have been intentional, asking Boyd whether taking off, reaching 625 feet, and then going straight down to the ground could be deliberate. While Boyd acknowledged that power failure was more likely than intentional action, he did not completely rule out the possibility.

The exchange escalated when Kilmeade pressed Boyd on potential fault attribution between Boeing, Air India, and Indian authorities. The host questioned whether different airlines put their own stamp on Boeing planes after purchase, suggesting that Air India would be responsible for maintenance and potentially implementing different rules and regulations.

Boyd responded by clarifying that while airlines do have input on aircraft specifications when ordering from Boeing, all modifications must be approved. He noted that while India’s transportation system could be characterized as marketing-oriented, safety standards have always been maintained. The expert then delivered his definitive response: Boyd assured viewers that “India is not sloppy.”

The aviation consultant emphasized that the airline’s imprint on aircraft primarily occurs during the ordering process, when carriers work with Boeing to specify configurations. Boyd indicated that Air India had likely been involved with the specific aircraft since the initial purchase agreement.

This incident represents the first fatal incident involving the 787 Dreamliner. The aircraft lost power shortly after takeoff, raising questions about potential mechanical failures or other contributing factors.

Boyd, a frequent Fox News contributor and aviation industry consultant, has previously appeared on the network to discuss various aviation incidents and safety matters. His expertise has been sought for commentary on multiple aircraft accidents and industry developments.

The expert’s defense of India’s aviation safety standards came amid broader discussions about international airline operations and oversight. Boyd’s response highlighted the rigorous approval processes that govern aircraft modifications and maintenance procedures across different countries and carriers.

Kilmeade’s line of questioning reflected common concerns about international aviation standards and the responsibilities of different parties in aircraft operation and maintenance. However, Boyd’s firm response underscored the professional standards maintained by Indian aviation authorities and carriers.

The exchange demonstrated the complexities involved in aviation accident analysis, where multiple factors, including aircraft manufacturing, airline maintenance, and regulatory oversight, must be considered. Boyd’s expertise in the field lent weight to his defense of India’s aviation safety protocols.

The crash investigation will likely examine various potential causes, including mechanical failure, maintenance issues, and operational factors. Boyd’s comments during the Fox News segment emphasized the importance of avoiding premature conclusions about responsibility or causation.

The aviation expert’s pushback against suggestions of Indian negligence highlighted the professional standards maintained across international aviation operations. His response served to counter implications that geographic location or national origin might indicate substandard safety practices.

This incident adds to ongoing discussions about aviation safety standards and the role of media coverage in shaping public perceptions of international carriers and regulatory bodies. Boyd’s firm defense of India’s aviation practices provided important context during the broadcast.