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Air India Flight AI171 Crash: Investigation Begins into Possible Causes
The precise sequence of events leading to the Air India Flight AI171 crash between Ahmedabad and London Gatwick on Thursday afternoon will only be clarified through a thorough investigation. However, the initial phase after takeoff can be particularly critical in air travel.
Indian crash investigators will collaborate with specialists from the US and UK in the coming days. Authorities are focused on determining the cause of the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crash shortly after its 13:39 local time (08:09 GMT) departure, approximately 1.5km (0.9 miles) from the runway at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport.
This incident marks the first fatal Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crash since its introduction to commercial operation in 2011. The tragic event resulted in the loss of 241 lives onboard and others on the ground.
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The BBC consulted with aviation professionals and pilots based in India – some requesting anonymity – with experience flying 787-8s from Indian international airports, to explore the potential factors contributing to the plane’s impact on residential structures in Ahmedabad shortly after takeoff.
Initial Ascent Issues of the Air India Flight
Captain Sumeet Sabharwal and co-pilot Clive Kundar, both highly skilled with over 9,000 hours of combined flying experience, piloted the 787-8 Dreamliner. Captain Sabharwal held over 22 years of experience as a commercial pilot.
Air India reported that the aircraft, carrying 242 individuals, taxied onto the runway at Ahmedabad International Airport on Thursday afternoon before beginning it’s takeoff.
According to India’s Home Affairs Minister Amit Shah, the aircraft carried 100 tons of fuel—nearly a full load— during its ascent from Ahmedabad.
India’s aviation authority reported that the cockpit issued a mayday signal almost immediately after takeoff. Subsequently, no further communication was received from the aircraft. The reason for the mayday call remains unknown, but according to the flight’s only known survivor the flight encountered a loud noise as the plane had difficulty gaining altitude.
Verified footage then revealed the aircraft flying at a low altitude over what appeared to be a residential neighborhood. Data indicated the plane reached a peak height of 625ft (190m) before descending and disappearing behind trees and buildings, succeeded by a substantial explosion.
One pilot commented, “There would have been limited time to react if both engines were lost.” CCTV records analyzed by BBC Verify show the plane was airborne for approximately 30 seconds.
The plane impacted a residential zone, with reports showing severe damage to residential structures within a densely populated area consisting of hospitals and government facilites.
Speculation Surrounds Possible Double Engine Failure
At this stage, conclusively determining the cause is difficult based solely on video evidence of the flight’s short duration.
The ensuing investigation will thoroughly analyze the aircraft’s flight data recorders (black box) and debris. However, preliminary videos suggest the aircraft struggled during takeoff, possibly due to insufficient thrust or power.
Possible Cause of Air India Flight AI171 Crash
A theory suggested by some experts involves the potential for a highly improbable double engine failure. Questions arise concerning whether the plane’s Ram Air Turbine (RAT), an auxiliary turbine activated upon loss of main engine power to operate essential systems, was deployed.
Double engine failures are exceptionally rare, a notable exception being the “Miracle on the Hudson” in 2009. In that instance, a US Airways Airbus A320 experienced a dual engine failure due to a bird strike shortly after taking off from New York’s LaGuardia Airport and successfully glided to a safe landing.
A senior pilot told the BBC that dual-engine failure could also be a result of fuel contamination or blockage. Correct aircraft engine operation relies on an exact fuel measuring system – blocking this system can cause fuel starvation, resulting in engine shutdown.
Marco Chan, a former pilot, indicated to BBC Verify that available footage gives no cause to believe a double engine failure occurred.
Aviation expert Mohan Ranganathan told the BBC that a double-engine failure would be “a very, very rare incident”.
Engine manufacturer GE Aerospace confirmed it would send its team to India to give help with the investigation; Boeing also mentioned it would give the airline complete assistance.
Bird Strikes as a Potential Factor
Some Indian experts raised bird strikes as another possibility.
Bird strikes can be hazardous and occur when a plane collides with one or more birds. Engines may experience a loss of power during serious circumstances if birds are ingested, evident in the South Korean Jeju Air incident, which resulted in 179 fatalities last year.
Experts and pilots who are knowledgeable about Ahmedabad airport notified the BBC that it is “notorious for birds”.
“They are always around,” said Mr. Ranganathan, confirming what at least three Indian pilots reported who had flown to and from this airport.
According to Civil Aviation Ministry data that was in Parliament this past December 2023, the state of Gujarat, home to Ahmedabad, documented 462 bird strike incidents over a five-year period, with a majority happening at Ahmedabad airport.
A Times of India article mentioned Airport Authority stats revealing 38 bird strikes occurred in 2022–23 in Ahmedabad, showing a 35% rise from the prior 12 months.
In 2009, a flock of seagulls was sucked in at 2,700ft – more than four times exceeding the Air India plane. Indian pilots in this situation lacked both the height and time for maneuvering.
However, a senior pilot said that a bird hit is rarely catastrophic “unless it affects both engines”.
Flap Configuration and Its Potential Role
Three experts who spoke with BBC Verify proposed incorrect flap settings during takeoff of Air India Flight AI171 as contributing factors but this was challenged by other experts and pilots.
When generating maximum lift at reduced speeds, flaps are very important throughout the takeoff process.
If not properly deployed on a fully-loaded plane carrying fuel and passengers on a long haul journey in hot conditions can cause lower lift.
Impact of High Temperatures on Takeoff
One pilot informed the BBC that greater engine thrust along with higher flap settings would have been necessary in Ahmedabad because temperatures were about 40°C (104F). According to the pilot this can cause serious results depending on configuration errors.
Released CCTV footage showed the plane taking off around Ahmedabad struggling to ascend, prior to making its descent.
According to a pilot who consulted with the BBC, an audio warning from the 787’s takeoff Configuration Warning System would trigger when flaps retract in order to show the safety of the takeoff configuration.
Chan explained to BBC Verify that the imagery is too distorted for confirmation whether the flaps were deployed. But he mentioned it could be a very uncommon error.
“The pilots determine the flaps themselves prior to takeoff, in this process the setting is verified and double-checked with the use of several checklists,” Chan stated. “Flaps not being set correctly would point to human error.”