Air India Crash: 6 Possible Causes Emerge from Ahmedabad Disaster

Photo: PTI

Ahmedabad — Investigators probing the tragic crash of Air India Flight AI‑171 have narrowed down six possible causes behind the disaster that claimed nearly 270 lives. Though definitive answers may take months, early evidence, including cockpit audio and video, is helping shape the investigation.

1. Dual Engine Failure
A dramatic possibility is that both GEnx engines failed shortly after takeoff. Videos appear to show deployment of the Ram Air Turbine (RAT)—a small backup propeller that deploys when engines and electrical systems fail. The pilot’s mayday—“No thrust, losing power”—supports this theory, although twin engine loss on a Dreamliner is almost unheard of.

2. Electrical System Fault
The Dreamliner relies heavily on electrical systems. A cascading electrical failure could disable engine controls or flight instruments, leading to power loss. Witnesses reported flickering cabin lights and a loud boom during takeoff, raising concern over a sudden electrical breakdown.

3. Flap and Gear Misconfiguration
Early footage suggests the aircraft may have lost lift due to improper flap deployment or extended landing gear. Without flaps, the wings cannot produce needed lift at low speed, and gear left down increases drag. A misconfiguration or accidental retraction could have critically impaired climb capability.

4. Pilot Response Under Stress
Experts point to the critical seconds after takeoff being overwhelming. A rare dual-engine stall followed by possible incorrect reaction—such as shutting the wrong engine—could doom the flight. Pilots had little time; even a brief misstep in response can become irreversible.

5. Fuel Quality or Contamination
Another hypothesis examines the possibility of contaminated or improperly behaving fuel. Fuel contamination can reduce engine performance or cause flameouts. Investigators are testing fuel samples, while also ruling out sabotage or tampering.

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6. Bird Strike
Though less favored, a serious bird strike is still on the table. It could theoretically disrupt both engines during takeoff. However, early analysis of CCTV and site evidence has downplayed this possibility.

Authorities have ruled out sabotage. Each theory is being evaluated alongside cockpit voice recorder data and flight data recorder (black box). Teams from the DGCA, NTSB, FAA, Boeing, GE Aerospace and AAIB are analyzing systems like engine thrust, flap settings, gear position, and pilot inputs.

India’s regulator has grounded or inspected all Boeing 787s in the country. Preliminary checks cover thrust systems, electronic controls, flaps, hydraulics, and landing gear. Officials stress the probe must be thorough to restore public confidence.

If a dual-engine failure is confirmed, this would mark a structural and emergency response testing of the 787's resilience. Any flight configuration errors would highlight cockpit protocols and checklist training.

With investigations ongoing, authorities caution against premature conclusions. The black box review is expected to shed light on technical and crew actions. Families continue to wait, and India’s aviation safety reforms hang in the balance.