India's Worst Plane Crash | Mystery of Flight AI-171 Ahmedabad | Prashant Kirad

Summary

On November 12, 1996, a tragic air collision in India highlighted critical issues in aviation technology and communication. The crash was caused by inadequate systems and language barriers. Despite advances in safety measures like TCAS and secondary radar, a similar incident occurred in 2025, when Flight AI171 from Ahmedabad crashed after takeoff. Investigating the causes, experts point to failures in wing mechanisms, hydraulic systems, and the high temperature on the day of the crash. While the technical reasons are clear, some speculate the crash may have been intentional, potentially tied to geopolitical tensions, raising questions about flight safety and deliberate acts.

Takeaways

• 😀 The 1996 air crash in India was caused by a collision between two planes, which occurred due to a lack of advanced technology and a language barrier between pilots and Air Traffic Control.
• 😀 The crash was the deadliest aviation disaster in India at the time, and it led to significant changes in air safety regulations.
• 😀 In response to the 1996 crash, India introduced a secondary radar system, separate flight corridors, and the Traffic Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) to prevent similar accidents.
• 😀 On June 12, 2025, another crash occurred with Flight AI171 from Ahmedabad to London, which raised questions about aviation safety despite technological advancements.
• 😀 The 2025 crash was attributed to three main factors: failure of the flaps and slats, hydraulic system failure, and high temperatures reducing air density.
• 😀 Flaps and slats are essential for generating lift during takeoff, and their failure can prevent a plane from gaining the necessary altitude.
• 😀 A malfunction in the plane's hydraulic system, which is critical for controlling various systems, contributed to the crash by increasing the stress on the aircraft.
• 😀 High temperatures on the day of the crash (around 40°C) reduced air density, making it harder for the plane to generate lift and contributing to the accident.
• 😀 While the pilot is often blamed for air crashes, in many cases, the responsibility lies with the airline or the aircraft manufacturer for failing to maintain or properly design the aircraft systems.
• 😀 The 2025 crash has led to speculation that it could have been a planned event, potentially linked to geopolitical tensions, but the exact cause is still under investigation.

Q & A

What was the cause of the 1996 air collision between two planes?

The primary causes were a lack of technology for tracking planes accurately and a communication barrier because the Kazakh pilots could not speak English, which led to a miscommunication with Air Traffic Control (ATC).

What technological advancements were introduced after the 1996 air collision?

Post-collision, the Indian government implemented a Secondary Radar System for better tracking, established separate flight corridors for incoming and outgoing flights, and introduced the TCAS (Traffic Collision Avoidance System) to warn pilots of nearby planes.

What are the key factors that allow a plane to take off successfully?

The three key factors for a successful takeoff are speed (achieved through long runways), engine performance, and the proper functioning of the plane's wings, including slats and flaps, which help in generating lift.

How do slats and flaps contribute to an airplane's ability to take off?

Slats and flaps on the airplane’s wings open during takeoff, creating a necessary angle to generate lift. If these components do not open, the plane may struggle to achieve the required elevation.

What caused the crash of flight AI171 from Ahmedabad to London in 2025?

The crash of flight AI171 was likely caused by three factors: a failure of the slats and flaps to open, a hydraulic system failure, and high external temperatures, which reduced air density and made takeoff more difficult.

Why are long runways important for airplanes?

Long runways are essential because they allow the plane to reach a higher speed, which is required to overcome air drag (the force opposing the plane's motion) and achieve the necessary elevation for takeoff.

What role does temperature play in a plane's ability to fly?

Higher temperatures decrease air density, making it harder for the plane to generate lift. This means the plane needs more force to fly, especially when other factors like hydraulic failure or unresponsive slats and flaps are also present.

What is TCAS, and how does it help prevent collisions?

TCAS (Traffic Collision Avoidance System) is a technology that alerts pilots when another plane is within a dangerous proximity (within 1000 meters), helping to avoid potential collisions by providing timely warnings.

Why was the 2025 Ahmedabad flight crash compared to similar crashes in 1987 and 2008?

The Ahmedabad crash was compared to the 1987 and 2008 crashes because all three incidents involved planes that failed to gain sufficient altitude soon after takeoff, suggesting similar underlying technical issues, such as unresponsive wings or mechanical failures.

Was the 2025 Ahmedabad crash the result of pilot error or technical failure?

The 2025 Ahmedabad crash was likely caused by a combination of technical failures, including issues with the slats, hydraulic systems, and high temperatures. However, there is speculation that it could also have been a deliberate act, though this has not been confirmed.