A harrowing incident involving an Air India flight has once again placed Boeing at the center of intense scrutiny, sending its stock price spiraling in early trading.

Early Thursday, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner operated by Air India crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad, India, en route to London’s Gatwick Airport. The aircraft, which was carrying over 240 passengers and crew, went down in a densely populated area near the airport. Emergency response teams are still assessing the damage, and authorities have yet to release a confirmed cause of the crash.

While investigations are ongoing, Boeing has publicly acknowledged the reports and says it is in the process of collecting further details. The company has offered support to relevant agencies and expressed sympathies for all those impacted by the tragic accident.

The market’s reaction was swift and unforgiving. Boeing shares dropped over 8% in premarket trading, falling to $196.52, a sharp dip that signals investors’ mounting unease.

The crash couldn’t have come at a worse time for the aerospace giant, which has been attempting to stabilize operations under the guidance of newly appointed CEO Kelly Orthberg.

Boeing has faced multiple challenges over the past few years, ranging from technical flaws in its 737 MAX series to supply chain constraints and mounting pressure from global regulators. For many investors, this latest incident dredges up old anxieties about safety standards, oversight, and the company’s ability to course-correct.

Chris Beauchamp, a strategist at IG Group, noted that the stock’s decline reflects “deep-seated concerns that Boeing’s fundamental issues remain unresolved.” The crash, even as the details remain scarce, reopens a wider conversation about aircraft manufacturing accountability and the global trust Boeing must regain.

It’s unclear what immediate impact this tragedy will have on airline partnerships or regulatory approvals, but analysts expect heightened scrutiny in the weeks ahead. While Boeing’s response will be crucial, the incident underscores just how delicate its path to recovery continues to be.

As the aviation community and the world await more answers, the tragedy is a painful reminder of what’s at stake every time an aircraft takes flight.