The recent crash of Air India Flight 171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner en route to London's Gatwick Airport from Ahmedabad, has resulted in a devastating loss of life, with over 240 passengers and crew members perishing. Amidst the ongoing investigations, a concerning piece of evidence has emerged: a video purportedly taken by a passenger onboard the ill-fated aircraft before its takeoff, which appears to show worrying defects.
The video, now circulating across various news outlets and social media platforms, has sparked intense debate and scrutiny among aviation experts. While the authenticity of the video is yet to be officially verified, initial analyses suggest the presence of potential anomalies related to the aircraft's configuration during its takeoff roll.
One of the primary concerns highlighted by experts is the position of the landing gear. According to Alastair Rosenschein, a former British Airways pilot, the video seemingly shows the landing gear still deployed as the plane accelerates for takeoff. Retracting the landing gear is a standard procedure during takeoff to reduce drag and enable the aircraft to gain altitude efficiently. Operating a flight with the landing gear down could severely affect the aircraft's ability to climb and maintain flight.
Adding to the disquiet is the apparent state of the wing flaps. Flaps are hinged surfaces on the trailing edge of an aircraft's wings that are extended during takeoff and landing to increase lift at lower speeds. Experts examining the video claim that the flaps do not appear to be correctly set for takeoff. According to aviation analyst, the "aircraft would not have been able to maintain flight" due to the incorrect flaps setting on take-off which "could explain why the plane came down".
These potential defects, if confirmed, raise serious questions about pre-flight checks and maintenance protocols. Several aviation experts have pointed out that a takeoff attempt with the landing gear down or incorrectly configured flaps would typically trigger warnings from the aircraft's Take-off Configuration Warning System, alerting the flight crew to the unsafe condition. The absence of any apparent response to these warnings in the video or from available flight data has fueled speculation about possible crew error or a malfunction of the warning system itself.
Adding another layer of complexity is the possibility of engine-related issues. Some experts suggest that the video indicates a lack of sufficient thrust or power during takeoff, potentially stemming from a rare double engine failure. While definitive evidence of engine failure is lacking, the plane's struggle to gain altitude, as captured in the footage, has prompted further investigation into this aspect.
The Air India flight 171 crash is the first fatal crash of a 787-8 Dreamliner since it entered commercial service in 2011. The disaster has not only claimed the lives of those onboard but also resulted in casualties on the ground, as the plane crashed into a residential area near the airport. The incident has prompted widespread grief and concern, particularly in light of Boeing's recent safety record and ongoing scrutiny over its manufacturing processes.
As investigations continue, the focus remains on determining the precise sequence of events that led to the crash. The flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder, commonly known as the "black boxes," will be crucial in providing detailed insights into the aircraft's performance and the crew's actions in the final moments of the flight. Meanwhile, the video taken by the passenger serves as a stark reminder of the potential risks associated with air travel and the critical importance of rigorous safety measures.
