What Caused Air India 171 Crash, Mysterious Sound Before Impact

Summary

On June 12th, 2025, Air India Flight 171, a Boeing 787, tragically crashed shortly after takeoff. In this video, the speaker examines potential causes, including maintenance issues, mechanical failure, pilot error, or software malfunctions. A key clue discovered in the video footage suggests the deployment of a ram air turbine (RAT), raising questions about the plane’s power and performance. With detailed analysis of flight data, security footage, and crash scene photos, the speaker presents their hypothesis while stressing the rarity of such incidents for the Boeing 787. The investigation is ongoing, with the NTSB offering expertise to uncover the full cause.

Takeaways

• 😀 A tragic incident occurred on June 12th, 2025, when Air India Flight 171, a Boeing 787, crashed just after takeoff, barely 60 seconds in the air.
• 🛠️ The cause of the crash remains unclear, with speculations ranging from maintenance issues, mechanical failures, pilot error, software problems, or a design flaw in Boeing planes.
• 📹 The media initially shared a lower-quality video of the crash, but the original, clearer footage revealed significant clues about the incident.
• 🎧 The original video featured a distinct sound, which was identified as the deployment of a Ram Air Turbine (RAT), a normal safety feature for the Boeing 787.
• ✈️ The RAT is an emergency backup mechanism designed to provide power if both engines fail or if there is a loss of electrical or hydraulic pressure.
• 🎥 In comparison, other examples of the RAT in action, such as footage from Japan Airlines, showed similar sounds and deployment behaviors.
• 📊 Flight data showed that Flight 171 reached a height of 625 feet before starting to lose altitude and crash, with a ground speed of 174 knots.
• 🔥 The crash site was near a medical college, which allowed emergency responders to reach the scene quickly and provide aid despite the devastating damage.
• 👨‍⚕️ Miraculously, a passenger named Romesh Vishwashkumar, sitting in seat 11A, survived the crash, though he later described jumping out of the wreckage after the plane broke apart.
• 💥 Despite the severe destruction, it appears that the crash resulted from insufficient engine thrust, likely caused by a mechanical or electrical failure rather than a pilot error.
• 📉 Following the crash, Boeing’s stock price fell sharply by almost $10, highlighting the potential financial and reputational consequences of the incident for the company.

Q & A

What caused Air India Flight 171 to crash after takeoff?

The cause of the crash is still under investigation, but possible reasons could include engine failure, mechanical or electrical issues, or a malfunction in the aircraft's software. The deployment of the Ram Air Turbine (RAT) suggests a loss of power, possibly from the engines or a major electrical issue.

What is the Ram Air Turbine (RAT), and why is it significant in this case?

The RAT is a safety feature in aircraft like the Boeing 787. It automatically deploys if the plane loses engine power or suffers from a loss of hydraulic or electrical pressure. The sound of the RAT deploying was heard in the video footage, which suggests that the plane may have experienced a major power failure shortly after takeoff.

What is the difference between the original and the news-released video footage?

The original video, which is clearer and starts sooner, shows more detail compared to the grainy news-released footage. The news-released footage was shot off a computer screen and had noticeable reflections, while the original video provided clearer audio, revealing the RAT's deployment.

What does the sound of the RAT remind the speaker of?

The speaker compares the sound of the RAT deployment to a propeller plane, which suggests that it could be heard as a distinct buzzing sound, resembling that of a small airplane rather than a jet.

How does the deployment of the RAT relate to the aircraft's safety?

The RAT deployment is a safety mechanism that provides emergency power to the aircraft if both engines fail or there is a significant loss of electrical or hydraulic power. It helps the crew maintain control of the aircraft, potentially allowing for an emergency landing.

What evidence suggests that Air India Flight 171 may have lost engine power?

The flight data and video footage suggest that the plane reached an altitude of around 625 feet before descending rapidly. The RAT's deployment sound and the plane's failure to gain sufficient altitude may indicate that both engines were not providing enough thrust.

What was the location of the crash and the aftermath?

The crash occurred near BJ Medical College, with the plane crashing into a building. There were multiple fires, and emergency response teams arrived quickly. The scene was chaotic, but the medical college's proximity provided immediate access to assistance.

How did Mr. Romesh Vishwashkumar survive the crash?

Mr. Vishwashkumar, a passenger in business class, reportedly survived the crash, though the circumstances are unclear. While he claimed to have jumped out of the plane, it is more likely that he escaped the wreckage after the plane broke apart, as jumping out of a crashing plane would have been impossible.

What was the potential cause of the plane's loss of altitude shortly after takeoff?

The loss of altitude could be attributed to a lack of thrust, potentially caused by engine failure or a mechanical issue. The plane did not seem to stall or tilt excessively, suggesting that the pilots were trying to control the situation with the limited power available.

How did the crash affect Boeing's stock price?

Boeing's stock price dropped significantly following the crash, falling almost $10 overnight. This may be due to concerns over the cause of the crash and potential design flaws, although the Dreamliner has generally had a strong safety record.