Air India Plane Crash | What Could Have Caused Air India Plane To Crash In 30 Seconds? | N18V

Summary

Air India flight 171 tragically crashed shortly after takeoff in Gujarat, India, killing 241 passengers and crew. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner, carrying a full fuel load, faced critical issues, with a Mayday call made by the co-pilot. The flight's final moments showed a loss of altitude after reaching just 625 feet. Theories about the cause include a rare double engine failure, bird strikes, or a crucial mistake involving the flaps during takeoff. The investigation is ongoing, with experts from India, the US, and the UK working to determine the exact cause of this devastating disaster.

Takeaways

• 😀 The crash of Air India flight 171 involved a Boeing 787 Dreamliner with 241 passengers and crew onboard, and 24 others were killed on the ground.
• 😀 The crash occurred shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad airport in western India, with the plane struggling to lift off due to possible issues with thrust or power.
• 😀 The flight crew, consisting of a captain and co-pilot, had more than 9,000 combined flying hours between them, indicating experienced pilots.
• 😀 The plane was fully fueled with 100 tons of fuel as it departed for London's Gatwick Airport, which was a significant factor in the crash aftermath.
• 😀 After takeoff at 1:39 p.m., the co-pilot issued a Mayday call, but there was no further communication from the aircraft after that.
• 😀 The final transmitted data showed the plane reached a height of 625 feet before descending and crashing into a building, causing a massive fire explosion.
• 😀 One of the potential causes under investigation is a rare double engine failure, a scenario where both engines fail simultaneously, leaving little time for pilot reaction.
• 😀 Another possible cause being considered is bird strikes, as Ahmedabad airport is notorious for such incidents, with 462 bird strikes reported over five years.
• 😀 While bird strikes are dangerous, they are rarely catastrophic unless both engines are affected, which would further complicate the situation.
• 😀 A bizarre theory suggests that the aircraft’s flaps may not have been properly extended during takeoff, causing drag and lift issues, contributing to the crash.
• 😀 The investigation is ongoing, with Indian experts being joined by investigators from the US and UK to determine the precise cause of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner’s crash.

Q & A

What happened to Air India flight 171?

Air India flight 171, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad Airport in Gujarat, India, killing 241 people on board and 24 on the ground. The plane was heading to London Gatwick when it encountered difficulties during takeoff.

What was the possible cause of the crash of flight 171?

Several possible causes have been speculated, including a rare double engine failure, a bird strike, or a flap misconfiguration during takeoff. These theories are being investigated further by experts.

What was the role of the plane's engines in the crash?

The plane’s engines may have failed during takeoff, which led to the loss of power and thrust. This could have been due to fuel contamination, clogging, or some other malfunction.

What is a double engine failure and how likely is it in aviation?

A double engine failure is when both engines of an aircraft fail simultaneously. It is extremely rare but could occur due to fuel contamination or other mechanical issues. If both engines failed, the pilots would have little time to react.

How significant is a bird strike in aviation safety?

Bird strikes can be extremely dangerous, especially if they affect the engines. The Ahmedabad airport has a high number of bird strikes, and while most bird strikes are not catastrophic, they can cause severe damage if they involve both engines.

What are the chances that the bird strike caused the crash?

While bird strikes are a known risk at Ahmedabad airport, experts suggest that for a bird strike to be catastrophic, it would need to affect both engines. This makes it a less likely cause compared to other theories.

What role do flaps play in the takeoff of an aircraft?

Flaps are crucial during takeoff as they help the aircraft generate maximum lift at lower speeds. If they are not extended properly, a fully loaded jet will struggle to gain altitude.

Could a mistake in operating the aircraft's flaps have caused the crash?

Yes, one theory suggests that the co-pilot may have mistakenly raised the flaps instead of retracting the landing gear during takeoff. This could have led to excessive drag and loss of lift, making it difficult for the plane to become airborne.

What is the role of the ram air turbine in an aircraft?

The ram air turbine is an emergency backup system that deploys when the aircraft’s main engines fail. It generates power for essential systems, such as instruments and controls, when the engines are no longer functioning.

What is the current status of the investigation into the crash?

The investigation into the crash is ongoing. Indian authorities are working with experts from the US and the UK to analyze the plane's black box, debris, and flight data in order to determine the exact cause of the crash.