Summary of Air India 171 Ahmedabad Crash | EXPLAINED !!

The video provides a detailed analysis and explanation of the Air India Flight 171 crash near Ahmedabad on June 12, involving a Boeing 787 Dreamliner en route from Ahmedabad to London. The crash shocked India and the world due to the rarity of such an incident involving a modern, well-maintained aircraft. The video is presented from the perspective of a commercial pilot who shares insights, theories, and possible causes based on available information and personal expertise, while emphasizing that the final conclusions depend on official investigations.

Key Points and Analysis:

• Crash Overview:
  • The aircraft took off normally but after climbing to about 400 feet, it unexpectedly began descending and crashed near Ahmedabad airport, hitting a hostel and causing massive casualties.
  • There were 242 passengers onboard; only one survivor was reported.
  • The crash site was close to the Civil Hospital Ahmedabad, where families gathered amid tragic scenes.
• Initial Observations and Questions:
  • Both engines reportedly failed simultaneously, a highly improbable event in aviation.
  • No visual signs of fire or smoke were reported from the engines.
  • The aircraft was reportedly near maximum takeoff weight, which complicates handling during an emergency.
  • Questions arose about why pilots did not retract the landing gear and whether the Ram Air Turbine (RAT) deployed during the emergency.
• Potential Causes Explored:
  • Dual Engine Failure: Considered the most likely cause. The pilot demonstrated in a simulator how dual engine failure shortly after takeoff would lead to loss of thrust and inability to maintain altitude.
  • Bird Strike: Ruled out due to lack of evidence of birds or engine damage consistent with bird ingestion.
  • Foreign Object Damage (FOD): Dismissed as there was no fire or smoke typical of FOD incidents.
  • Weather or Wind Shear: Weather was clear with no significant wind shear or storms at the time.
  • Fuel Contamination: Theoretically possible but unlikely due to strict fueling protocols and checks.
  • Pilot Error: The video discusses the possibility that in the chaos of dual engine failure, the pilot monitoring may have mistakenly shut down the wrong engine, worsening the situation.
  • Overloading: The aircraft was close to maximum takeoff weight; there is speculation about possible overloading, which would reduce performance margins.
  • Mechanical or Software Faults: Reference to past Boeing 737 MAX issues is made, but no direct evidence suggests a software fault in the 787.
  • Maintenance and Safety Culture: The video highlights Air India’s history of safety lapses, regulatory notices, and poor maintenance culture, which may contribute to systemic risks.
• Simulator Reenactment:
  • The presenter recreated the scenario in a flight simulator, demonstrating the difficulty in controlling the aircraft after dual engine failure at low altitude.
  • The simulator showed the aircraft climbing slightly due to inertia before descending rapidly.
  • The inability to retract landing gear and deploy RAT due to power loss was explained.
• Issues in Investigation and Accountability:
  • The video expresses skepticism about the independence and thoroughness of Indian accident investigations, citing past incidents where investigations blamed pilots despite contradictory evidence.
  • It warns against premature pilot blame and stresses the need to address systemic issues like pilot fatigue, maintenance, and airline safety culture.
  • The influence of manufacturers, airlines, and politics on investigations is discussed, especially Boeing’s global influence.
• Air India’s Operational Concerns:
  • Several recent regulatory actions against Air India for safety and maintenance violations were noted.
  • Pilots reportedly face pressure to operate aircraft with unresolved minimum equipment list (MEL) issues.
  • The airline’s privatization and merger history may have affected operational safety and oversight.
• Historical Context:
  • The video recalls a near-disaster in 2017 involving a Go Air flight that lost both engines after bird strikes but managed to recover.
  • It contrasts how proper pilot response and training can prevent accidents even in severe emergencies.
• Conclusion and Call for Change:
  • The presenter stresses that blaming pilots alone is insufficient and that investigations must find root causes to prevent future accidents.
  • The aviation system’s “Swiss Cheese” model of failure—where multiple small issues align to cause disaster—is highlighted.
  • The video urges better safety culture, pilot support, maintenance standards, and independent investigations.
  • It ends with a hope that lessons learned will improve aviation safety in India.

Presenters/Contributors:

• The video is narrated and analyzed by a commercial pilot (name not specified) who shares personal insights, simulator demonstrations, and aviation knowledge.
• References are made to Captain Amit Singh (source of some data) and other unnamed pilot colleagues.
• Mention of external sources like Republic TV and official agencies such as the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and Accident Investigation Board of India (AIB).

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