Pilot’s Split-Second Decision May Have Caused

Crash Cause Theory

Aviation expert and pilot Captain Steve, who studies air disasters, believes the Air India flight AI171 crashed because of a cockpit error. He said, “I think the pilot flying said to the co-pilot ‘gear up’ at the appropriate time. I think the co-pilot grabbed the flap handle and raised the flaps, instead of the gear.” This mistake could explain why the plane lost altitude rapidly, as retracting the flaps too soon would cause the aircraft to stall and lose speed.

The Accident and Its Impact

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner took off for London but crashed in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, shortly after departure, killing 241 people onboard and at least 24 on the ground. Only one passenger, 40-year-old Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, survived. From his hospital bed, Ramesh said, “I still can’t believe how I survived,” recalling how the plane felt “stuck in the air” before it slammed into a building and exploded.

Crew and Investigation

The pilot, Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, had 8,200 flight hours, while co-pilot Clive Kunder had 1,100 hours. Authorities recovered the plane’s flight data recorder, or black box, which is crucial for understanding the crash. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau confirmed it is working “with full force.” Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu called the black box recovery “a significant advancement in the inquiry.” The investigation involves U.S. agencies like the NTSB and FAA, as well as Boeing and General Electric.

Broader Context

This tragedy was India’s deadliest air crash in a decade. Experts noted the plane’s wings did not bend as expected during takeoff, which supports the flap retraction theory. The cause remains unclear, with investigators exploring whether it was a mechanical failure or pilot error. Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the survivor in hospital, emphasizing the tragedy’s national impact.