Investigating the Possible Causes Behind the Air India Plane Crash
What transpired with Flight AI171, which was en route from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, remains under investigation following its tragic crash shortly after take-off. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, carrying 242 individuals, went down just 1.5 kilometers from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, resulting in the deaths of all onboard and additional casualties on the ground. Indian authorities are collaborating with experts from the US and UK to determine the cause of this catastrophic event, marking the first fatal incident involving a 787-8 since its introduction to commercial aviation in 2011.
Flight Details and Immediate Aftermath
Captain Sumeet Sabharwal and co-pilot Clive Kundar, both seasoned aviators with over 9,000 combined flying hours, were at the controls of the ill-fated aircraft. The flight took off at 13:39 local time, carrying nearly a full load of fuel—approximately 100 tonnes. Almost immediately after take-off, the cockpit issued a mayday call, but no further communication was received from the aircraft. Eyewitness accounts, including that of the flight’s sole survivor, indicated that a loud bang was heard as the plane struggled to gain altitude.
Video footage verified by the BBC shows the aircraft flying dangerously low over a residential area before it descended rapidly and crashed, resulting in a significant explosion. The plane was airborne for only about 30 seconds, and experts noted that the aircraft reached a height of just 625 feet before disappearing from view behind buildings and trees. The crash site was located in a densely populated area, causing extensive damage to nearby structures, including residential blocks and hospitals.
Investigating Potential Causes
As investigators begin their work, they will analyze the plane’s black box and examine debris to uncover the factors leading to the crash. Initial video evidence suggests that the aircraft may have experienced a lack of thrust or power during its ascent. Some experts have speculated about the possibility of a rare double engine failure, a scenario that could lead to catastrophic outcomes if both engines lose power simultaneously. Questions have also arisen regarding whether the aircraft’s Ram Air Turbine (RAT) was deployed, which serves as an emergency backup in such situations.
Double engine failures are exceedingly rare, with the most notable incident being the 2009 “Miracle on the Hudson,” where a US Airways flight successfully landed after losing both engines due to a bird strike. Experts have pointed out that dual engine failures can also result from fuel contamination or clogging, which could lead to engine shutdowns. While some believe that the footage does not provide sufficient evidence to confirm a double engine failure, the investigation will seek to clarify these possibilities.
Bird Strikes and Environmental Factors
Another potential cause being examined is the possibility of a bird strike, which can severely impact aircraft performance. Ahmedabad airport has been described as “notorious for birds,” with data indicating a high number of bird strike incidents in the region. Over the past five years, Gujarat state reported 462 bird strikes, with many occurring at Ahmedabad airport. In the previous year alone, there were 38 reported incidents, a significant increase from the prior year.
Experts warn that bird strikes can lead to engine power loss, particularly if both engines are affected. However, a senior pilot noted that such incidents are rarely catastrophic unless they impact both engines simultaneously. The investigation will consider the environmental conditions at the time of the crash, including the airport’s history with bird strikes, as well as the potential for a bird to have struck the aircraft during its ascent.
Technical Considerations: Flaps and Take-off Configuration
Some aviation experts have raised the possibility that the aircraft’s flaps were not properly extended during take-off, which could have contributed to the crash. Flaps are crucial for generating lift at lower speeds, and if they are not deployed correctly, a fully loaded aircraft may struggle to take off, especially in hot conditions like those experienced in Ahmedabad, where temperatures approached 40°C (104°F) on the day of the incident.
CCTV footage captured during the take-off shows the aircraft struggling to gain altitude before descending and ultimately crashing. However, pilots have pointed out that a take-off with retracted flaps would typically trigger warnings from the aircraft’s Configuration Warning System, alerting the crew to an unsafe configuration. While some experts believe that a failure to extend the flaps could indicate human error, others argue that such an oversight is highly unusual given the rigorous pre-flight checklists and procedures pilots must follow.
As the investigation unfolds, authorities will continue to gather evidence and insights to determine the precise causes of this tragic accident, which has left a profound impact on the aviation community and the families affected.
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