Air India Flight Crashes After Takeoff: Experts Suspect Engine Thrust Issues and Loss of Lift

 

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Quick Highlights:

• Air India flight AI-171 crashed soon after departing from Ahmedabad.
• Aviation experts believe the aircraft failed to climb due to low engine thrust.
• A distress (Mayday) signal was issued as the aircraft rapidly lost altitude.

New Delhi:
Air India flight AI-171, en route from Ahmedabad to London’s Gatwick Airport, crashed just minutes after taking off. The aircraft, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, managed to reach only 672 feet before plummeting, and the crash occurred at 1:38 PM on Thursday. NDTV, referencing aviation experts, reconstructed a possible sequence of events inside the cockpit during the plane’s final moments.

The Dreamliner was carrying 242 individuals — 230 passengers and 12 crew, including two pilots. Video footage shows the plane attempting to climb but failing to maintain altitude, before crashing in flames shortly afterward.

Experts analyzing the video suggest the aircraft had low thrust shortly after takeoff. Despite the Boeing 787-8's strong safety reputation, the plane appeared to struggle immediately. The pilots likely tried to pull the control yoke to lift the aircraft, but the landing gear remained extended — further limiting lift.

A Mayday distress call was sent, signaling serious trouble. As the lift weakened, the pilots reportedly continued trying to raise the nose, but the plane kept descending.

According to aviation analysts, the aircraft only reached a speed of 174 knots — significantly lower than expected — pointing to insufficient engine power.

Captain Saurabh Bhatnagar, a former senior pilot, commented:
"The takeoff seemed normal, but just before retracting the landing gear, the aircraft began to descend. This typically happens when there’s a power failure or a sudden loss of lift. The final cause will be determined by the investigation."

Of the passengers on board, 169 were Indian nationals, 53 were British, along with one Canadian and seven Portuguese travelers. Air India has activated a special emergency helpline for families.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep shock over the incident and confirmed he is closely monitoring the situation with relevant officials.