Ahmedabad Plane Crash: Expert Cites Ram Air Turbine Deployment After Dual Engine Failure on Air India Flight AI171

Ahmedabad Plane Crash: Ram Air Turbine Deployment Indicates Dual Engine Failure on Air India Flight AI171

New high-resolution video footage has emerged in the investigation of the Air India Flight AI171 crash near Ahmedabad, offering fresh insights into the tragic event. Aviation analyst Captain Steve’s recent examination of the clearer footage suggests that both engines of the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner failed simultaneously, prompting the deployment of the aircraft’s Ram Air Turbine (RAT). This emergency system is designed to provide essential hydraulic and electrical power when both engines lose functionality.

Details of the Crash and Immediate Response

Air India Flight AI171 was operating a scheduled service from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport to London’s Gatwick Airport when it crashed shortly after takeoff on Thursday, June 12. The aircraft carried 242 individuals, including 230 passengers and 12 crew members. Tragically, 241 lives were lost in the accident. The sole survivor, 38-year-old British national Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, was seated in the emergency exit row 11A.

The flight was under the command of Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, who had accumulated 8,200 flight hours, with First Officer Clive Kundar, who had 1,100 hours, as co-pilot. A “MAYDAY” distress call was issued mere seconds after takeoff, and contact with air traffic control was lost when the aircraft was at an altitude of approximately 672 feet.

Evolving Theories and New Evidence

Initial investigations explored several possible causes, including dual engine failure potentially caused by a bird strike or fuel contamination, improper flap configuration during takeoff, and premature flap retraction during the climb phase instead of raising the landing gear. Early video evidence, however, was limited by poor quality, as the widely circulated footage was a recording of a video played on a mobile phone, obscuring critical details. This footage showed the landing gear remained deployed and no visible signs of engine fire or smoke.

The release of the original, higher-quality video has shifted the investigative narrative. Captain Steve emphasized the significance of the enhanced footage, stating, “The video that went viral was a video of a video, and the quality was extremely poor. The original, presumably taken from a cell phone, is much sharper and reveals details previously missed.” Notably, the deployment of the Ram Air Turbine is clearly visible in the new footage, strongly supporting the theory of simultaneous dual engine failure.

Industry Impact and Regulatory Implications

The crash has had immediate repercussions across the aviation sector and financial markets. Air India’s stock prices have experienced a sharp decline, and insurance claims related to the accident are expected to increase substantially. Competitor airlines have responded by intensifying safety reviews, while passengers may reconsider their airline preferences, potentially affecting market dynamics.

This incident presents a significant challenge to Air India’s ongoing efforts to revitalize its operations and reputation. It also tests India’s broader ambitions in the aviation industry. Regulatory authorities are anticipated to enforce stricter safety protocols and conduct comprehensive reviews of maintenance procedures throughout the sector. The confirmed deployment of the Ram Air Turbine prior to the crash has intensified scrutiny of Air India’s operational standards and may catalyse industry-wide reforms aimed at enhancing passenger safety.

As the investigation proceeds, authorities remain focused on reconstructing the precise sequence of events to prevent future tragedies of this nature.