Tragedy in the Skies: Probing the Deadly Fall of Air India Flight AI171

The fatal crash of Air India Flight AI171 near Ahmedabad has raised serious questions within the global aviation community. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, en route to London Gatwick, went down barely 1.5km from the runway, killing 241 people onboard and others on the ground. This marks the first deadly crash involving a 787-8 since it entered service in 2011. A thorough investigation involving Indian, British, and American experts is now underway to uncover the root cause.

The aircraft, piloted by veterans Captain Sumeet Sabharwal and First Officer Clive Kundar, departed Ahmedabad at 13:39 local time with 242 people and nearly 100 tonnes of fuel. Just after takeoff, the cockpit issued a mayday call, which was the final transmission received. According to the flight's only survivor, a loud bang was heard as the plane struggled to gain height, signaling possible mechanical failure or engine trouble in the early moments of flight.

Footage verified by the BBC showed the aircraft flying alarmingly low over residential areas before descending and exploding. The plane had only reached a height of 625 feet before crashing. Experts emphasize that such a low altitude gives pilots very little time to respond to emergencies. CCTV footage confirmed the Dreamliner was airborne for just about 30 seconds before impact.

Several potential causes are being considered, including the rare possibility of a dual engine failure. This type of incident is nearly unheard of but could result from fuel contamination, blockage, or other mechanical issues affecting power generation. Though some speculate the deployment of the Ram Air Turbine, there is no solid evidence yet. GE Aerospace and Boeing are now part of the investigation team assisting local authorities.

Another explanation gaining attention is a possible bird strike, especially since Ahmedabad Airport is known for heavy bird activity. Pilots flying in and out of the airport have confirmed frequent bird presence. Government data shows that Gujarat, particularly Ahmedabad, has experienced hundreds of bird strikes in recent years, which could potentially cause catastrophic damage if birds are ingested into engines during takeoff.

The investigation also includes scrutiny of the aircraft's flap configuration. Flaps are essential for providing lift, particularly during heavy long-haul departures in hot conditions. Ahmedabad experienced temperatures near 40°C on the day of the crash, which would have required higher lift settings. If flaps were not properly extended, the plane could have failed to achieve sufficient altitude. While the 787 has warnings for incorrect take-off settings, a failure or oversight can’t yet be ruled out.

Ultimately, determining the true cause of this tragedy will depend on the analysis of the aircraft’s black box and other recovered data. Aviation experts stress the importance of not jumping to conclusions until all facts are known. The investigation is expected to be complex and lengthy, but only a comprehensive review will help prevent future disasters of this scale.