Examining Past Incidents of Dual Engine Failure on AI171

Examining Past Incidents of Dual Engine Failure on AI171

The recent tragedy involving Air India Flight AI171 has brought renewed attention to the rare but critical scenario of dual engine failure in commercial aviation. If confirmed that both engines failed on the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad airport, this incident would join a small but significant list of catastrophic events where aircraft lost thrust in both engines mid-flight. Aviation history records a spectrum of outcomes in such cases, ranging from extraordinary survival stories to devastating crashes.

On June 12, 2025, Flight AI171, carrying 242 passengers and crew en route to London Gatwick, crashed moments after departure. The aircraft descended rapidly and collided with the mess area of a medical college hostel in Meghani Nagar, Ahmedabad. Authorities reported that 265 bodies were transported to local hospitals, marking this as one of the deadliest aviation disasters in recent memory. Preliminary radar and flight data reveal that the aircraft never ascended beyond 625 feet. A distress call containing the urgent phrase “Mayday, Mayday” was recorded seconds before impact, a signal typically associated with severe emergencies such as total engine failure. Aviation experts have noted that such a call often indicates a loss of thrust in both engines, raising concerns about a rare dual-engine failure. Should this be confirmed, it would represent the first fatal accident involving a Boeing 787.

The Challenge of Dual Engine Failure

Commercial airliners are designed with redundancy to ensure safe flight even if one engine fails. However, the simultaneous loss of thrust from both engines presents an extreme emergency. In such situations, pilots must rely solely on the aircraft’s gliding capabilities, which provide limited time and options to manage the crisis. These incidents test not only the engineering resilience of the aircraft but also the skill, training, and composure of the flight crew under intense pressure.

Historical Incidents of Dual Engine Failure

Several notable cases illustrate the varied outcomes of dual-engine failures. In 1988, TACA Flight 110, a Boeing 737-300 flying from Belize to New Orleans, lost both engines after encountering a severe hailstorm. Thanks to the exceptional airmanship of Captain Carlos Dardano and First Officer Dionisio Lopez, the powerless aircraft was safely glided to a landing on a grassy levee near New Orleans, with no injuries reported. This incident prompted revisions in engine certification standards to improve weather resistance.

Similarly, Scandinavian Airlines Flight 751 experienced dual-engine failure on December 27, 1991, when ice ingestion caused both engines to fail shortly after takeoff. The crew successfully executed an emergency landing in a field, and all passengers and crew survived. These events underscore the unpredictable nature of dual-engine failures and the critical importance of pilot training and aircraft design in mitigating their consequences.

Implications for Air India and the Aviation Industry

The crash of AI171 presents profound challenges for Air India, including potential reputational damage, heightened regulatory scrutiny, and significant financial liabilities stemming from compensation claims and operational disruptions. The immediate aftermath may see a decline in the airline’s stock value, increased passenger apprehension, and calls for comprehensive safety audits within the industry. Competitors are likely to intensify their safety messaging and closely monitor Air India’s response, seeking to leverage any perceived vulnerabilities.

The involvement of the United States National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) in the investigation signals a rigorous and detailed inquiry. The findings of this probe will be closely observed by the global aviation community, as they may influence future safety standards and operational protocols worldwide.