US experts join Japan Dreamliner probe

US and Japanese experts on Friday joined forces to investigate an ANA Dreamliner whose emergency landing has provoked the grounding of the world’s entire 787 fleet and embroiled Boeing in crisis.

The risk of fire from overheating batteries has emerged as a major concern for Boeing’s cutting-edge new planes since the incident on the domestic flight in Japan, prompting airlines to ground all 50 of the world’s operational 787s.

The All Nippon Airways Dreamliner has remained on the tarmac at Takamatsu in southwest Japan since its pilots were forced into the dramatic landing on Wednesday because of a smoke alert apparently linked to a lithium-ion battery.

A team from the US National Transportation Safety Board, which includes members from the FAA and Boeing, has arrived in Takamatsu to take part in the Japanese investigation, a spokesman for the Japan Transport Safety Board said.

“We removed the battery yesterday and are today inspecting the plane and its components, alongside the US officials,” said the spokesman, Mamoru Takahashi.

The batteries used for the Dreamliner’s advanced electronics are made by Japan’s GS Yuasa, one of many contractors in a complex global chain that led to three years of delays before Boeing delivered its first 787 to ANA in 2011.