The investigation into the tragic Air India crash is zeroing in on key flight components—the engine, flaps, and landing gear. Shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad, the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, carrying 242 on board and headed for Gatwick Airport, began losing height before erupting into a massive fireball as it struck a residential area. Only one passenger survived, while reports indicate that up to 24 people on the ground may have lost their lives.
Sources reveal that experts are examining whether irregularities in engine thrust, misaligned flaps, and the landing gear remaining open during takeoff were critical factors in the disaster. Investigators are also scrutinizing Air India’s maintenance protocols to determine if lapses may have contributed to the catastrophic failure, even as a possible bird-hit is not seen as the primary concern.
In response to the incident, India’s aviation regulator has ordered an immediate safety review across the entire Boeing 787 fleet. This includes a one-time check of takeoff parameters before each flight, thorough flight control inspections, and power assurance tests on the aircraft’s GEnx engines. The recovery of the digital flight data recorder—one of the two crucial black boxes—has provided investigators with an important piece of the puzzle, as they await further details, including any insights from the cockpit voice recorder.
This ongoing probe serves as a sober reminder of the critical importance of robust safety and maintenance measures in aviation. As teams, including anti-terrorism experts, work diligently to uncover every detail of this case, the nation and the world remain attentive for updates. Stay tuned for further developments. ✈️🔥
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Air India crash probe focuses on engine, flaps and landing gear
cgtn.com
