Air India 171 Crash: New Report Raises Questions About Final Moments

Tragedy struck on June 12th when Air India Flight 171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. The flight, bound for London Gatwick, crashed into a medical hostel near the airport, resulting in the loss of 241 passengers and crew members, as well as 19 individuals on the ground.

Black Box Data Reveals Flight 171’s Final Seconds

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) released a report shedding light on the flight’s final moments. Data retrieved from the aircraft’s Enhanced Airborne Flight Recorder (EAFR), commonly known as the black box, reveals Flight 171 executed a standard takeoff procedure. The Dreamliner reached a takeoff speed of 153 knots (approximately 283 kmph) and a maximum airspeed of 180 knots (approximately 333 kmph), climbing as expected. The flap setting was at five degrees, and the landing gear was down – both consistent with normal takeoff procedures.

Unanswered Questions Remain

While the initial data appears routine, the report raises several critical questions about what happened in the cockpit during those crucial 32 seconds between takeoff and the crash. The investigation continues to explore various possibilities to determine the exact cause of the accident.