What Really Causes Dual Engine Failure? | Air India 171 Update

Summary

In this video, Captain Steve discusses the potential causes behind a serious aircraft incident, focusing on vapor lock and fuel contamination. He explores how quick turnaround flights, warm weather, and engine heat could lead to fuel volatility and vapor lock, affecting engine performance. While acknowledging the rarity of vapor lock in both engines simultaneously, he considers it a plausible cause. Captain Steve also reassures viewers that flying remains safe, encourages a respectful dialogue on the topic, and expresses hope for more clarity from future findings. His balanced approach aims to inform and engage both pilots and the general public.

Takeaways

• 😀 Vapor lock could be a potential issue that caused engine failure, but it's just one of several possible causes.
• 😀 The speaker emphasizes the complexity of the situation, acknowledging multiple potential causes for the issue.
• 😀 Fuel contamination is another potential cause for engine failure and cannot be ruled out.
• 😀 Vapor lock could have happened in both engines simultaneously, making it a relevant point for investigation.
• 😀 The heat from the hot day and the engine’s high temperature could have led to the fuel warming up and causing vapor lock.
• 😀 The airplane might have experienced quick turnaround times, increasing the possibility of fuel issues due to fuel warming.
• 😀 The speaker addresses that vapor lock is a complex topic and provides an entry-level explanation for it.
• 😀 Air starvation and compressor stalls were discussed but ultimately ruled out as likely causes for the failure.
• 😀 Captain Steve highlights that discussions on sensitive topics should remain respectful, especially when emotions are high.
• 😀 Captain Steve reassures viewers that flying is still safe despite the uncertainty surrounding the incident being discussed.
• 😀 The speaker expresses a desire for more clarity in future updates and looks forward to preliminary findings that could help explain the situation.

Q & A

What is vapor lock, and why is it considered in the context of the aircraft incident?

Vapor lock is a condition where fuel vaporizes in the fuel system, preventing the engine from receiving enough fuel, potentially leading to engine failure. In the context of the incident, vapor lock is considered because high temperatures and rapid fuel warming during the flight could have caused the fuel to vaporize, particularly during hot weather and engine stress.

What environmental factors are discussed as potential contributors to fuel issues in the incident?

The environmental factors discussed include high temperatures on the runway, hot weather causing the fuel to warm up in the tanks, and the heat generated by the engines, which could have contributed to the fuel reaching a temperature where vapor lock might occur.

How does the rapid turnaround of the flight contribute to the potential for fuel-related issues?

A quick turnaround means that the aircraft was likely fueled recently, with the fuel possibly still cool at the time of boarding. However, the prolonged exposure to high temperatures on the runway, combined with the engine's heat, could have warmed the fuel to the point where vapor lock or other issues might develop.

What is the significance of the airplane's engines producing heat during taxiing?

As the engines produce heat during taxiing, it rises and could affect the fuel in the tanks, particularly in the wings and center tank. This increase in temperature could contribute to the conditions necessary for vapor lock, where the fuel vaporizes and disrupts the normal flow to the engine.

What does Captain Steve mean by saying 'this whole thing was 100 billion to one'?

Captain Steve is acknowledging that while vapor lock in both engines simultaneously is an extremely rare scenario, it is still a possibility that needs to be considered as part of the investigation into the incident. He emphasizes the rarity of the event but does not rule it out.

Why does Captain Steve mention the idea of 'air starvation' and compressor stalls?

Air starvation and compressor stalls were considered as possible causes of engine failure. Air starvation occurs when the engines don't get enough airflow, potentially leading to stalls, but Captain Steve suggests this scenario is unlikely and not a key focus of the investigation.

What does Captain Steve mean when he says, 'we're not going to bring that back again' regarding air starvation?

Captain Steve dismisses the idea of air starvation being a significant cause of the incident, suggesting that while it was initially considered, it is no longer seen as a viable explanation for the engine failures.

What is the overall approach Captain Steve takes to discussing the potential causes of the incident?

Captain Steve takes a cautious and balanced approach, discussing various possible causes, including vapor lock, fuel contamination, and air starvation, while emphasizing that more information is needed from the investigation. He encourages a respectful and evidence-based discussion.

What does Captain Steve hope for in terms of preliminary findings related to the incident?

Captain Steve hopes that preliminary findings from the investigation will provide more clarity and help narrow down the potential causes, rather than leaving the situation as uncertain as it currently is.

How does Captain Steve conclude his discussion about the safety of flying?

Captain Steve reassures the audience that flying is safe, emphasizing that he himself will continue to fly, including a trip to Paris, France. He aims to calm any fears and reiterates the importance of civilized, informed discussions about aviation safety.