An investigation has been launched into the Air India crash that on Thursday caused the deaths of at least 279 people. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner had just taken off from Ahmedabad and was heading for Gatwick when it crashed near the accommodation of a medical college.
The Indian Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau, with help from the UK, US and Boeing, are exploring the causes of the crash. Amit Singh, former pilot and aviation expert, said recovering flight data and cockpit voice recorders will be crucial to uncover the events leading to the crash. He also said investigators would look into local CCTV, witnesses, pilot training records, thrust issues, and past flights. An issue the probe will likely explore is linked to the load of the aircraft, with too much weight potentially causing the engines to struggle, Singh said.
The Indian government has set up a separate committee to investigate the crash and is expected to publish a preliminary report within three months.
Authorities are also inspecting Air India’s fleet of 33 Boeing 787 Dreamliners and performing maintenance to prevent future incidents. This is believed to be the first 787 Dreamliner crash in the aircraft’s 16-year history.
The 787 Dreamliner may have suddenly lost power “at the most critical phase of flight” after takeoff, according to Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu. Possible causes for it include a rapid change in wind or a bird strike leading to a double-engine stall.
Commercial airline pilot Steve Schreiber, who analyses plane crashes and close calls, said the Ram Access Turbine (RAT) can be seen in footage of the crash.
The RAT is deployed during a massive electrical failure; a massive hydraulic failure; or a dual engine failure to support the plane’s electrical power and hydraulic pressure.
Boeing told the Express after the crash: “We are in contact with Air India regarding Flight 171 and stand ready to support them. Our thoughts are with the passengers, crew, first responders and all affected.”
