Investigators confirmed that the aircraft’s ram air turbine (RAT) — an emergency power source that activates only when both engines fail — deployed seconds before the crash, supporting the dual-engine failure theory.
Photo : PTI
The initial probe into the Air India plane crash hints at a possible simultaneous failure of both engines as the likely cause of the fatal accident that killed 241 people of 242 onboard the Ahmedabad-London flight. Sources within the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) told Times Now that early findings suggest towards engine failure.
Key Findings From AAIB-led Investigation
A flight simulation conducted by Air India, replicating the Boeing 787’s configuration during takeoff — including landing gear deployed and wing flaps retracted — did not lead to a crash, suggesting that flight control settings were not the primary cause.
Investigators confirmed that the aircraft’s ram air turbine (RAT) — an emergency power source that activates only when both engines fail — deployed seconds before the crash, supporting the dual-engine failure theory.
Investigators confirmed that the aircraft’s ram air turbine (RAT) — an emergency power source that activates only when both engines fail — deployed seconds before the crash, supporting the dual-engine failure theory.
Video evidence reviewed by the AAIB shows the aircraft failing to climb after takeoff, then descending sharply before impact.
The aircraft was powered by two General Electric (GE) engines. The AAIB is examining whether an electrical fault, fuel contamination, or engine control system failure may have caused the simultaneous loss of power.
The aircraft was powered by two General Electric (GE) engines. The AAIB is examining whether an electrical fault, fuel contamination, or engine control system failure may have caused the simultaneous loss of power.
GE has declined to comment, stating that it cannot discuss an active investigation. Air India has also not responded to media queries.
The AAIB has not yet released an official report, but sources indicate that the focus has now shifted firmly to technical malfunction, particularly involving both engines. If found true, this would be a rare instance of dual-engine failure.
The AAIB has not yet released an official report, but sources indicate that the focus has now shifted firmly to technical malfunction, particularly involving both engines. If found true, this would be a rare instance of dual-engine failure.
Air India Plane Crash
Air India’s AI-171 took off from Ahmedabad airport on June 12, and after a few seconds in the air, the plane crashed on the terrace of a medical college. The sudden crash led to a huge blast, killing 241 of 242 passengers and several students of the medical college.