Video displays indications of simultaneous engine malfunction on Air India's AN171 aircraft
The investigation into the tragic crash of Air India flight AI171, which occurred on June 12 shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad, has made a significant breakthrough. The cause of the crash, as indicated by the sound of Ram Air Turbine (RAT) deployment captured in a viral video, points to a critical emergency situation involving a likely catastrophic electrical or hydraulic failure.
The RAT, an emergency backup system that deploys to provide power when major systems fail, had activated on the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, as evidenced by the distinct whirring sound in the footage. This is corroborated by the survivor's account of flickering cabin lights, a classic sign of severe onboard system failure.
Investigators have further revealed that the twin engines of the aircraft lost power due to an inadvertent or accidental shutting off of the engine fuel control switches by one of the pilots. The cockpit voice recordings captured a conversation where one pilot asked the other why the fuel was cut off mid-air, with the other denying doing so. Expert analysis suggests it was likely Captain Sumeet Sabharwal who turned the fuel control switches off, causing the engines to shut down and leading to the crash.
Mechanical failure or design flaws in the Boeing 787 or its engines have been largely ruled out by investigators, and no signs of fuel contamination or flap issues were found. The focus remains on pilot actions involving the fuel control switches.
The RAT's deployment in Air India flight AI171 is strong evidence of a catastrophic dual engine failure shortly after takeoff. This is a deeply troubling scenario for such a modern aircraft, as the RAT is a last-resort system, designed to deploy in extreme emergencies such as complete failure of electrical or hydraulic systems.
In response to the crash, India has ordered an urgent inspection of all Boeing 787s, focusing on engine thrust, flap settings, and possible maintenance lapses. The enhanced video of Air India flight AI171's crash, circulating on social media, is sharper and has better audio quality, providing valuable evidence for the ongoing investigation. A preliminary report on the series of events that caused Air India flight AI171's crash is expected within weeks.
This latest tragedy follows another fatal aviation disaster in India, the Kedarnath helicopter crash. The RAT on modern aircraft like the Boeing 787 Dreamliner powers essential systems like critical instruments, flight controls, navigation tools, and communication equipment. For instance, during the "Miracle on the Hudson" incident in 2009, the RAT on US Airways flight 1549 kept the Airbus A320's vital systems alive.
As the investigation continues, the aviation community and the public await the preliminary report, hoping for answers and measures to ensure such tragedies do not recur.
Technology played a crucial role in the investigation of Air India flight AI171's crash, as the sound of Ram Air Turbine (RAT) deployment captured in a viral video provided critical evidence. The RAT's deployment is a significant concern in the realm of education-and-self-development, especially for pilots, as it indicates a catastrophic dual engine failure, highlighting the importance of proper training and adherence to safety protocols in general-news.
