Air india Crash Investigation: Key Questions Arise After Deadly Ahmedabad Takeoff

The investigation into the Air India crash that occurred shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad, India, is underway, with experts seeking to understand the factors that lead to the disaster.This incident, already considered one of the nation’s deadliest aviation accidents in decades, has prompted a thorough examination of flight data, wreckage, and witness accounts. The primary keyword,”Air India crash,” will be central to understanding the causes.

Did You know? Aviation accident investigations can take months, even years, to complete, as investigators meticulously piece together the sequence of events.

Initial Focus: Flight Dynamics and Configuration

Aviation safety experts are prioritizing several key areas in the investigation. these include assessing whether the aircraft’s wing flaps and slats were correctly deployed during takeoff. These components are essential for generating sufficient lift at lower speeds.

According to aviation consultant, Anthony Brickhouse, the initial video footage suggests potential issues with both thrust and lift. The Federal Aviation Management (FAA) emphasizes that proper configuration of wing surfaces is critical for safe takeoff performance.

Jeff Guzzetti, a former accident investigator, noted that the settings of wing slats and flaps are critical for a fully loaded jet during takeoff. If these were not correctly set, or retracted prematurely, it could have considerably impacted the aircraft’s ability to gain altitude.

The Role of Landing Gear

Another critical question is why the landing gear appeared to be down during the initial phase of flight. Extended landing gear increases drag, hindering the aircraft’s ability to climb efficiently.

According to Boeing’s 787 Flight Crew Operations Manual, the landing gear should be retracted shortly after takeoff to reduce drag and improve climb performance. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner, the aircraft involved, is designed for optimal aerodynamic efficiency, making any unnecessary drag a important concern.

Cockpit Activity and Warning Systems

Investigators will also focus sharply on what transpired in the flight deck before the crash. Typically, commercial flights have two pilots: one responsible for flying and the other for monitoring systems.

It is crucial to determine if these duties were appropriately split, what communications occurred between the pilots, and whether they performed their jobs adequately. Modern aircraft are equipped with warning systems to alert pilots of potential problems. Investigators will want to know if these systems functioned as intended.

Mr. Guzzetti raised critical questions: “Did they get the warning that they were suppose to receive, or were they misconfigured? If they didn’t get a warning, then why? If they did, what did the crew do when they heard it?”

Additional Evidence and Black Box Data

Beyond the initial observations, investigators are gathering additional evidence, including wreckage analysis, witness testimonies, and any available videos. However, the most critical task will be recovering and analyzing the data from the aircraft’s black boxes: the flight data recorder and the cockpit voice recorder.

John Cox, a former airline pilot and chief executive of Safety operating Systems, emphasized the importance of this data: “Once they have that information, it will help focus the investigation into specific areas. So right now, it’s about gathering documentation and evidence and keeping an open mind.”

Pro Tip: The “black boxes” are actually painted bright orange to aid in their recovery after a crash.

Key Investigation Points

What other factors do you think could have contributed to the Air India crash? How can aviation safety be further improved to prevent future tragedies?