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Air India Crash: Experts Investigate Potential Wing Flap and Landing Gear Issues
Following the devastating Air India crash involving a Boeing 787, investigators are focusing on possible malfunctions with the aircraft’s wing flaps and landing gear. The tragic incident, which occurred shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad airport, claimed the lives of hundreds of passengers and crew. Experts are examining footage of the flight, raising concerns about the aircraft’s configuration during its ascent, specifically regarding the deployment of wing flaps and retraction of landing gear.
Intensified Investigation into the Boeing 787 Dreamliner Tragedy
The investigation into the Air India tragedy is intensifying, with scrutiny centering on whether the plane’s wing flaps functioned correctly. The aircraft, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, was carrying 242 passengers, including a number of British citizens. Sadly, only one survivor has been identified.
Expert Analysis Raises Questions About Takeoff Configuration
Aviation experts reviewing video of the Air India Boeing 787-8 have noted that its configuration during takeoff from Ahmedabad airport appeared abnormal. Key concerns include:
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- Potential issues with wing flap deployment
- The landing gear possibly not retracting as expected
Coincidence? Similar Boeing 787 Had Flap Deployment Issues
Adding to the concern, reports have surfaced of a similar Boeing 787, operated by American Airlines, experiencing multiple emergency landings in the previous month. These incidents involved complications related to the wing flaps, with reports suggesting improper deployment. The aircraft reportedly aborted flights to Philadelphia from various locations, including Amsterdam, Dublin, Barcelona, and Zurich.
Black Box Recovered, Search Continues
Authorities have recovered one of the aircraft’s flight recorders (black box) as the search continues for the second. The data from these recorders will be crucial in determining the precise sequence of events leading to the crash.
Former Pilot Suggests Landing Gear and Flap Anomalies
Alastair Rosenschein, a former British Airways pilot, analyzed video of Air India Flight 171. He observed that the plane’s landing gear appeared to be down during takeoff, which he deemed incorrect. He stated, “It should have been up.”
Possible Flap Setting Issue?
Rosenschein also noted, “It’s not immensely clear, but it does look like the aircraft didn’t have its take-off flap setting.” He explained the importance of proper flap settings for enhancing wing surface area and generating lift at lower speeds during takeoff and initial climb.
He speculated that a wing flap malfunction “could explain why the aircraft came down” if the plane was unable “to maintain flight.” He further commented, “The video is not that clear, but it doesn’t look right to me. The altitude of the aircraft isn’t right either, and the aircraft seems to be descending rather than climbing – it does look like it’s an aerodynamic issue because of not having the right flaps setting on take-off.”
The Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner Crash and Takeoff Concerns
The Air India disaster, involving a Boeing 787 Dreamliner crashing in a residential area, has fueled speculation that the plane wasn’t correctly configured for takeoff. The focus is on the deployment of the “flaps,” which are essential wing components that increase lift.
Pilot Responsibility and Potential Consequences of Improper Flap Setting
Marco Chan, an aviation expert from Buckinghamshire New University, explained that flap settings are entirely the pilot’s responsibility. He noted that increasing flaps enhances wing surface area and aids lift at slower speeds.
However, Chan cautioned that if the aircraft isn’t traveling fast enough, an incorrect flap setting could have the opposite effect, potentially causing the plane to stall. Visual evidence suggests the aircraft was descending with its nose raised, as if attempting to climb.
Chan also stated, “Looking at the footage there are several experts suggesting the flaps aren’t configured properly – it is hard to tell, but it could be a possibility.”
“Every take-off is slightly different and you may have a different flap setting. It may not have been set properly. If that is the case, that is definitely human error. But we do have other procedures to ensure that doesn’t happen.”
Air India’s Safety Concerns and Inspection Issues
Adding another layer to the investigation, reports reveal that Air India faced repeated safety concerns, raising questions about its maintenance procedures.
Government Scrutiny and Safety Lapses
Sanat Kaul, a former Joint Secretary of the Civil Aviation Ministry, revealed that the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) had previously notified Air India about various safety and inspection deficiencies. He explained the DGCA functions independently, despite operating under the Ministry. The DGCA had communicated with Air India multiple times, highlighting concerns related to safety, improper inspections, and other oversights.
Inadequate Maintenance and Line Inspections?
Mr. Kaul added, “So the question now arises about the maintenance procedures followed by Air India.”
He emphasized concern regarding ‘line maintenance’, or pre-flight checks conducted by inspectors. The effectiveness and thoroughness of these inspections are now coming under scrutiny.
Air India’s Response and Potential Grounding of Fleet
As of now, Air India has not addressed Mr. Kaul’s accusations. Meanwhile, NDTV, an Indian broadcaster, reported that the Indian government is weighing the option of grounding Air India’s Boeing 787 fleet.
Air India CEO’s Statement and Survivor’s Account
Air India CEO Campbell Wilson stated, “Investigations will take time, but anything we can do now we are doing,” and visited the crash site, refraining from answering reporters’ questions. He had previously expressed deep sorrow regarding the tragedy.
Wilson emphasized that Air India’s primary focus is on supporting passengers, crew members, their families, and loved ones.
British Survivor’s Miraculous Escape and Testimony
Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, the British survivor of the Air India plane crash, was visited by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Air India verified that Mr. Ramesh was the sole survivor among the 242 individuals aboard the London-bound Boeing 787 Dreamliner that crashed near Ahmedabad airport shortly after takeoff.
Speaking from his hospital bed, Mr. Ramesh told DD News, “I still can’t believe how I survived.” He provided a harrowing account of the final moments before the crash.
The 40-year-old survivor explained the plane seemed “stuck in the air” shortly after takeoff before the lights flickered, and the aircraft “suddenly slammed into a building and exploded.”
“When the flight took off, within five to 10 seconds it felt like it was stuck in the air, suddenly, the lights started flickering, green and white,” he said.
“The aircraft wasn’t gaining altitude and was just gliding before it suddenly slammed into a building and exploded.”
Mr. Ramesh added, “At first, I thought I was dead. Later, I realised I was still alive and saw an opening in the fuselage. I managed to unbuckle myself, used my leg to push through that opening and crawled out.”