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India Today
3 days ago
- India Today
Air India crash videos suggest errors in cockpit take-off drills
On June 12, 2025, Air India Flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner (VT-ANB), crashed in Ahmedabad's Meghaninagar at 1:38 PM IST, shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. The aircraft, bound for London Gatwick, reached only 600–650 feet before issuing a MAYDAY call and crashing into a residential analysis explores the probable causes of the catastrophic crash, focusing on the aircraft's low altitude, low speed, and landing gear configuration, based on preliminary evidence and crash videos. The aircraft reached only 600–650 feet before issuing a MAYDAY call and crashing into a residential area advertisementCrash ContextAircraft: Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, a modern twin-engine jet with advanced fly-by-wire systems and GE Aerospace GEnx engines, heavily fueled for a 4,200-mile flight. Conditions: Clear weather, 43C, near-sea-level airport (180 feet elevation), high-density altitude reducing lift and Captain Sumeet Sabharwal and First Officer Clive Indicators: Low altitude (600–650 feet), low speed, and landing gear down, suggesting failure to climb Causes1. Configuration ErrorA configuration error during takeoff involves incorrect settings or actions that prevent the aircraft from achieving the necessary performance (lift, thrust, or climb rate). Common errors include wrong flap settings, insufficient thrust, premature rotation (lifting off too early), or failure to retract landing gear, all of which can reduce climb capability and lead to a stall or loss of control, especially at low altitudes. A configuration error during takeoff means incorrect settings that hinder performance advertisementWhy Configuration Errors Matter?Takeoff is a critical phase with tight performance margins. The 787 requires precise settings for flaps, thrust, and rotation speed (Vr) to achieve lift-off and climb, especially in hot conditions. Errors in these settings, combined with low altitude and speed, leave little time for recovery, as seen in the rapid descent after the MAYDAY Happens: Flaps increase lift and drag during takeoff, allowing the aircraft to fly at lower speeds. The 787 typically uses Flaps 5 or 15 for takeoff, depending on weight, runway length, and flaps too low (eg, Flaps 0) reduces lift, requiring higher speeds to take off, while excessive flaps (eg, Flaps 20) increase drag, hindering climb. Flaps increase lift and drag during takeoff, allowing the aircraft to fly at lower speeds Ahmedabad Context: At 43C, the reduced air density lowered lift, requiring precise flap settings. If the pilots selected insufficient flaps (eg, Flaps 0 instead of 5), the aircraft may have struggled to generate lift, leading to the observed low Factors: Distraction (eg, responding to ATC or a cockpit alert, like engine failure) or miscommunication during pre-takeoff checks could lead to incorrect flap 787's electronic checklist should flag this, but manual override or rushed procedures could bypass Spanair Flight 5022 (2008, MD-82) crashed in Madrid due to zero flaps during takeoff, causing insufficient lift and a stall, despite clear weather. If pilots selected reduced thrust or miscalculated required power, the aircraft could fail to climb 2. Insufficient ThrustThe 787's GEnx engines require specific thrust settings based on weight, runway length, and temperature. At 43C, high-density altitude reduced engine efficiency, necessitating higher thrust. If pilots used reduced thrust (derated takeoff) or miscalculated power via the flight management system (FMS), the heavily fuelled aircraft (near 227 tons) could fail to climb, explaining the low altitude and speed. Pilots typically retract gear after a positive climb rate advertisement3. Failure to Retract Landing GearCrash videos show the landing gear down, increasing drag and reducing climb performance. Pilots typically retract gear after a positive climb rate. Leaving it down suggests:Oversight: Distraction from a stall warning or engine Choice: Anticipating an emergency landing, though the MAYDAY call and rapid descent suggest insufficient time to return.4. Engine Failure (Including Bird Strike)The lack of engine noise in videos and the MAYDAY call suggest possible thrust loss. Potential causes include:Bird Strike: Ahmedabad's known risk could affect one or both engines, though dual-engine failure is rare (<1 in 1 million flights).Fuel Contamination or Mechanical Failure: Less likely given the GEnx engines' reliability, but Engine failure alone doesn't explain the landing gear configuration, making it a secondary factor compared to configuration errors.5. High-Temperature Performance Issues Distraction or miscommunication during pre-takeoff checks could lead to incorrect flap settings At 43C, reduced air density lowered lift and thrust, requiring precise configuration. While the 787's FMS accounts for temperature, a miscalculation of rotation speed (Vr) or thrust, or an intersection takeoff, could exacerbate issues. This is likely a contributing factor rather than the primary Structural Failure The 787's GEnx engines require specific thrust settings based on weight, runway length, and temperature A failure in flight controls or structure is unlikely given the 787's redundant systems and perfect safety record. The gear-down and low-speed evidence points to pilot error over a sudden mechanical issue.7. Sabotage or TerrorismNo evidence supports sabotage, and the MAYDAY call indicates crew awareness of an issue, not a sudden explosion. Security measures further reduce this low altitude, low speed, and landing gear down strongly suggest a configuration error—likely incorrect flap settings, insufficient thrust, premature rotation, or failure to retract gear—as the primary cause of the Air India Flight AI171 crash. Engine failure (possibly from a bird strike or fuel issue) and high-temperature performance challenges are secondary contributors. The 787's advanced systems should mitigate such errors, but human factors, such as a cockpit emergency, distraction or miscommunication, likely played a critical role in this tragedy.(Images by Vani Gupta and Ayushi Srivastava) Must Watch
Time of India
3 days ago
- General
- Time of India
Air India plane crash: Bird hit, engine failure, or flap issue? Exact reason for AI-171 crash in Ahmedabad may take a year to confirm
Shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad airport, Air India flight AI-171 crashed, killing all 241 on board. Two videos of the aircraft moments before the crash have surfaced on social media, raising key questions about what went wrong. Aviation experts and former airline officials are analysing the clips and suspect a possible dual engine failure as one of the main causes. Experts question unretracted landing gear The aircraft's landing gear remained extended even as it climbed past 400 feet, something pilots say is unusual. "Within 5 secs of lift off, pilots normally put the landing gear up," said Capt Amit Singh, an air safety expert told TOI. Capt Manoj Hathi, a former Air India official, added, "As soon as a positive rate of climb is reached, the landing gear is retracted." Landing gear left down during climb increases drag and slows down the aircraft, making it harder to gain altitude. In normal conditions, retracting the landing gear is one of the first actions pilots take after ensuring a stable climb. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Moose Approaches Girl At Bus Stop In Phnom Penh - Watch What Happens Happy in Shape Undo Possible engine failure, fuel issues or bird hit A major concern raised is why the gear stayed down. Capt Singh explained, "In case there is a distraction the pilots could forget to put the gear up. The distraction could be dual engine failure, bird hit or combination of both. The plume of dust as the aircraft crosses the runway end shows it was low on power and possibly a dual engine problem." Capt Hathi echoed the possibility: "It's possible that a dual engine flame-out was the reason the landing gear could not be retracted. Dual engine failure could occur due to bird ingestion or fuel contamination. Looking at the trajectory and body angle of the aircraft, it appears as if the aircraft has stalled because of loss of speed." Live Events You Might Also Like: Plane crash a result of human karma, not just fate, says ex-Puducherry L-G Kiran Bedi quoting 'Autobiography of a Yogi' Other pilots, who spoke off record, also pointed to a rare dual engine failure — a situation with only seven recorded cases in the past 70 years. Did Air India flight suffered a bird hit? Gujarat has seen 462 bird strike cases in five years, with Ahmedabad airport reporting the highest number, according to Civil Aviation Ministry data shared in Parliament in December 2023. A TOI report from September 2023 also noted a 35% increase in such incidents in Ahmedabad, with 38 bird strikes recorded in 2022–23. In a 2009 case, a bird hit occurred at 2,700 feet when a flock of seagulls was sucked into the engines. In contrast, the recent Air India flight was flying much lower, leaving the pilots with little time or height to react. MAYDAY call and aircraft behaviour hint at emergency The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) confirmed that a MAYDAY call was issued just seconds after take-off. Experts say this reinforces the engine failure theory. The aircraft is seen in videos flying low over a densely populated area. Moments before the crash, it appears the pilots raised the aircraft's nose, possibly to avoid hitting buildings — a move that may have caused further loss of airspeed. "Even if the pilots had not pulled up the nose it would have continued to glide, descend and eventually crash," Capt Singh said. Questions over flap settings during take-off Flaps, which are critical for lift during take-off, have also come under scrutiny. While some pilots believe the flaps were not deployed, others argue the video footage shows otherwise. The exact status will be confirmed only after detailed analysis. Investigation underway, final report due in one year India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is leading the investigation, following international norms under Annex 13 of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). A preliminary report is expected within 30 days, but it is up to the Indian authorities to decide whether to make it public. The final report, which includes a complete analysis of causes and contributory factors, will be released by June 12 next year. Annex 13 makes clear that the main goal of such investigations is not to assign blame, but to prevent similar accidents in the future. (The article originally published in TOI)
Business Upturn
3 days ago
- Business Upturn
Multiple Air India flights diverted or return to origin amid Iran airspace closure
By Aditya Bhagchandani Published on June 13, 2025, 09:27 IST Amid escalating geopolitical tensions, Air India has announced major diversions and flight turnarounds due to the sudden closure of Iranian airspace, citing passenger safety as its top priority. The airline released a list of 16 international flights that have been rerouted or recalled to their point of origin as air corridors over Iran become inaccessible following Israel's military offensive. Key Air India flight disruptions as of Friday: AI130 (London Heathrow–Mumbai): Diverted to Vienna AI102 (New York–Delhi): Diverted to Sharjah AI116 (New York–Mumbai): Diverted to Jeddah AI2018 (London Heathrow–Delhi): Diverted to Mumbai AI129 (Mumbai–London Heathrow): Returned to Mumbai AI119 (Mumbai–New York): Returned to Mumbai AI103 (Delhi–Washington): Returned to Delhi AI106 (Newark–Delhi): Returned to Delhi AI188 (Vancouver–Delhi): Diverted to Jeddah AI101 (Delhi–New York): Diverted to Frankfurt/Milan AI126 (Chicago–Delhi): Diverted to Jeddah AI132 (London Heathrow–Bengaluru): Diverted to Sharjah AI2016 (London Heathrow–Delhi): Diverted to Vienna AI104 (Washington–Delhi): Diverted to Vienna AI190 (Toronto–Delhi): Diverted to Frankfurt AI189 (Delhi–Toronto): Returned to Delhi The Indian carrier stated that these changes were necessary to ensure the safety of passengers, following sudden and intense airspace restrictions over Iran. This operational crisis also follows closely on the heels of a devastating tragedy involving Air India flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner operating on the Ahmedabad–London Gatwick route, which crashed shortly after takeoff on June 12. The flight, with 242 people onboard, including two pilots and ten crew members, issued a MAYDAY call but lost contact with ATC moments later. The aircraft crashed into a densely populated residential zone in the Meghani Nagar locality near Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, resulting in widespread destruction. In addition to the aircraft fatalities, over 75 civilians from the neighborhood are feared dead, taking the confirmed death toll to 317. Authorities have begun investigations, and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has confirmed that the aircraft was commanded by Capt. Sumeet Sabharwal, an experienced pilot with over 8,200 flight hours. The exact cause of the crash remains under investigation. As the airline grapples with twin emergencies—both operational and humanitarian—Air India is working with local and international authorities to ensure assistance and support for all affected families. Ahmedabad Plane Crash Aditya Bhagchandani serves as the Senior Editor and Writer at Business Upturn, where he leads coverage across the Business, Finance, Corporate, and Stock Market segments. With a keen eye for detail and a commitment to journalistic integrity, he not only contributes insightful articles but also oversees editorial direction for the reporting team.
Time of India
3 days ago
- General
- Time of India
Ahmedabad plane crash: What caused the crash? Engine failure, bird hit among several theories
MUMBAI: Two short videos surfaced after AI 171 crashed outside Ahmedabad airport - many questions followed, from those who have flown commercial airliners. On social media, pilots were asking: 1. Why was the aircraft landing gear not retracted? 2. Did the aircraft suffer a dual engine failure? 3. Did the engines die because of possible fuel contamination or blockage? 4. Were the flaps on the wings lowered for take-off? 5. Could a bird hit have contributed to the crash? The final investigation report into the AI-171 accident, set to be released before June 12 next year, will have a detailed analysis of probable causes and contributory factors. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now But for aviation professionals, the two videos offered many clues. "Within 5 secs of lift off, pilots normally put the landing gear up," said Capt Amit Singh, an air safety expert. Capt Manoj Hathi, ex-Air India official who has held posts of director (ops) and director (air-safety) said: "As soon as a positive rate of climb is reached, the landing gear is retracted." A lowered landing gear increases drag and fuel consumption, while reducing aircraft speed. Retracting the landing gear allows for a smooth aerodynamic flow helping the aircraft climb up. But the clips showed the landing gear extended even as the plane climbed to over 400 feet above ground. DGCA statement hints at dual engine failure | What could be the reason why AI-171 had not retracted its landing gear although it had climbed to a height of around 400 feet? "In case there is a distraction the pilots could forget to put the gear up. The distraction could be dual engine failure, bird hit or combination of both. The plume of dust as the aircraft crosses the runway end shows it was low on power and possibly a dual engine problem," said air safety expert Capt Amit Singh. Capt Manoj Hathi, a former AI official, said, "It's possible that a dual engine flame-out was the reason the landing gear could not be retracted. Dual engine failure could occur due to bird ingestion or fuel contamination. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Looking at the trajectory and body angle of the aircraft, it appears as if the aircraft has stalled because of loss of speed." Other pilots, who requested anonymity, too, spoke about dual engine failure and possible fuel contamination. The possibility of a dual engine failure is a rare event with about seven documented accidents in the past seven decades. DGCA in its statement said the pilots gave a MAYDAY call seconds after take-off, further supporting the theory that a dual engine failure occurred probably after the aircraft crossed the speed beyond which a take-off cannot be safely aborted. Video clips show the aircraft gliding and descending over a congested area chock-a-block with buildings. Seconds later, the aircraft nose is raised - AI-171's pilots were probably trying to keep the aircraft from crashing in a congested locality. But raising the nose results in loss of airspeed. The clip shows the aircraft disappear from view and crash. But even if the pilots had not pulled up the nose it would have continued to glide, descend and eventually crash, said Capt Singh. The other point was the flaps - aerodynamic devices that are lowered to increase lift on the wing. While some pilots said the flaps were not lowered as is the norm during take-off, others said the pictures show they were lowered. Investigation into aircraft accidents carried out by civil aviation authorities such as the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) follow norms laid down in the International Civil Aviation Organisation's Annex 13. It states that the primary objective of an investigation should not be to assign blame, but to identify and prevent future similar incidents. Under Annex 13, a preliminary report should be ready within 30 days of the event. But ICAO leaves it to the state (India, in this case) to decide whether to make it public or keep it private. The final report, though, which should be published within a year of the accident, is made public.
Indian Express
4 days ago
- General
- Indian Express
All we know about the London-bound Air India plane that crashed near Ahmedabad airport
A London-bound Air India plane crashed into a residential area near Ahmedabad airport moments after take-off on Thursday, sending shockwaves through the aviation world. The flight Boeing 787-8, which departed at 1:38 p.m. local time, carried 230 passengers and 12 crew members, a total of 242 people on-board. Shortly after lifting off, the plane issued a MAYDAY call to air traffic control. Then, silence. It plummeted to the ground outside the airport perimeter, in the Meghani Nagar neighbourhood, where heavy black smoke billowed from the wreckage. Several casualties are feared, though exact numbers remain unclear as rescue efforts continue.
