A chance to rebuild the trust, restore faith in air travel, Pg10

Key Highlights:

• Air India flight AI171 crash on June 12, 2025, has sparked widespread fear, media speculation, and misinformation.
• The Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) and Digital Flight Data Recorder (DFDR) have been recovered; official investigation is ongoing with NTSB (U.S.) and AAIB (UK) participation.
• Suspected causes include: dual engine failure, debris/bird ingestion, overloading, high ambient temperature, and possible operational lapses.
• Video analysis and eyewitness accounts suggest engine failure and failure to retract landing gear.
• The Boeing 787 Dreamliner, involved in the crash, otherwise has a strong safety record since inception in 2011.

Detailed Insights

1. Probable chain of events: 

• Loud “thud” after lift-off, as reported by sole survivor.
• RAT (Ram Air Turbine) deployment indicates severe power loss.
• Engine swing to the right in CCTV footage suggests left engine failure.
• Dust cloud and bird activity beyond runway could have contributed to engine damage.
• Failure to retract landing gear added significant drag, potentially worsening climb performance.

2. Environmental Factors:

• Runway length was effectively reduced due to high temperature (37°C vs standard 15°C), limiting take-off margin.
• Aircraft may have been overloaded, with excess cabin baggage and duty-free items.

3. Historical Parallel:

• 1986 IC571 crash (Airbus A300) also involved bird hit during take-off, aborted beyond rotation speed.

4. Flight Safety Concerns:

• Questions raised about crew decision-making: slow acceleration recognition, landing gear retraction, and rejection zone awareness.
• Indian bureaucratic delays in releasing DFDR/CVR findings could impede public clarity and trust.

Way Forward:

• Transparent and time-bound public release of findings from DFDR and CVR.
• Reassurance campaigns to reaffirm aviation safety protocols and Dreamliner’s track record.
• Enhanced regulatory oversight, crew training, and passenger baggage checks.
• Investment in runway bird hazard management and temperature-adjusted performance standards.

Scientific/Technical Concepts Involved:

• V1 Speed (Take-off Decision Speed): The speed beyond which take-off cannot be aborted safely.
• RAT (Ram Air Turbine): Emergency power generator deployed during loss of main power.
• Stall: A flight condition where the aircraft loses lift, typically due to insufficient speed or excessive drag.
• Climb Gradient: Rate of aircraft’s climb, influenced by engine power, weight, and atmospheric conditions.

Mains Mock Question:

"In light of the recent Air India AI171 crash, examine the structural and operational challenges in India’s aviation safety ecosystem. Suggest reforms to enhance public confidence in air travel."