Air India crash: The deadly Air India crash that claimed 241 lives is now believed to have been caused by a dual engine failure, according to preliminary findings based on flight simulator tests and ongoing analysis by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB).
The ill-fated Boeing 787 Dreamliner, operating as AI-171 from Ahmedabad to London, crashed just seconds after takeoff on June 12, killing nearly everyone on board and several students in a nearby medical college. Early data and simulated flight tests now point toward a technical malfunction involving both engines, rather than pilot error.
Simulated Flight Reveals Alarming Insights
In an attempt to uncover the crash’s cause, Air India pilots conducted a simulated flight replicating the aircraft’s exact configuration during takeoff: landing gear deployed, wing flaps retracted, and slats extended.
Surprisingly, the simulation did not result in a crash, strongly suggesting that the flight control settings alone couldn’t have led to the disaster. This finding shifts the spotlight to a much more serious scenario—a simultaneous failure of both GE engines, possibly due to a hydraulic or electrical fault.
Emergency RAT Turbine Deployment Raises Red Flags
Investigators revealed that the aircraft’s Ram Air Turbine (RAT)—a small emergency device that activates only in the event of complete electrical failure—was deployed seconds before the crash. This strongly supports the dual engine failure theory, as the RAT is a last-resort power source when both engines stop functioning.
The RAT turbine, although vital for basic electrical operations, does not generate lift. Its deployment confirms that the aircraft experienced a major power loss, reinforcing suspicions of a catastrophic engine malfunction.
FADEC and GE Engines Under Scrutiny
The General Electric (GE) engines powering the Boeing 787 involved in the Air India crash are managed by an advanced system called Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC), which automates engine performance and keeps operations within safe limits.
However, if the FADEC system itself failed or was unable to respond due to electrical faults, the result could be devastating—causing both engines to shut down, robbing the aircraft of thrust and onboard power, as possibly witnessed in the Air India crash.
While GE has declined to comment citing the ongoing nature of the investigation, the AAIB is actively analyzing black box data to trace the precise sequence of failures that may have contributed to the Air India crash.
Video Footage and Mayday Call Add to the Mystery
Surveillance video shows the plane barely lifting off before plummeting into the rooftop of a medical college. Additionally, pilots issued a Mayday call about 15 seconds before impact, suggesting they noticed the failure but had no time to recover.
Analysts also noted that the landing gear appeared tilted without retraction, which may signal a hydraulic system failure, another symptom of dual engine failure affecting power-dependent systems.
Aviation’s Worst Tragedy in Years
The Ahmedabad plane crash is the deadliest incident in Indian civil aviation in decades and marks the first-ever fatal crash involving a Boeing 787 Dreamliner.
Investigations are being jointly conducted by the AAIB, Boeing, GE, and the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). A parallel inquiry by the Home Ministry is also ongoing to rule out other causes, including sabotage or fuel contamination.
No Official Report Yet—But Technical Focus Tightens
Though an official AAIB report is pending, internal sources say the probe into the Air India crash now heavily favors a technical malfunction involving dual engine failure. The possibility of fuel system failure, software error, or electrical fault remains under consideration.
Until final conclusions are drawn, aviation safety experts stress the need for thorough examination of aircraft engine systems, redundancy protocols, and in-flight emergency procedures—especially in the context of catastrophic incidents like the Air India crash involving long-haul jets such as the Boeing 787.
Conclusion: What the Air India Crash Reveals About Dual Engine Failure Risks
As families mourn the loss of 241 lives, the search for answers continues. With mounting evidence pointing to dual engine failure, the Air India crash may serve as a wake-up call for the aviation industry to enhance checks on digital engine control systems and emergency preparedness protocols.
The Air India crash has brought global attention to the risks of simultaneous engine failure in modern jets. It underscores the need for rigorous testing, stronger oversight, and improved response systems to prevent similar disasters.
The tragedy also highlights the importance of flight simulation technology in uncovering root causes of complex air disasters—a tool that may help prevent future catastrophes.
