Aviation Experts Raise Questions on Air India Plane Crash in Gujarat

Strategic Insights -

Aviation experts are investigating the recent Air India plane crash in Gujarat, highlighting concerns over the circumstances leading up to the incident. The crash, which occurred shortly after takeoff, has left investigators and specialists questioning the exact cause. Expert analysis suggests that the loss of power, possibly due to engine malfunction, is a likely factor, but the simultaneous failure of both engines is deemed highly unlikely. The pilot's mayday call and unusual landing gear position have also raised eyebrows, with some suggesting that the crew may have been aware of a failure beforehand.

Key Takeaways:

  • Former pilot Ehsan Khalid emphasized the importance of the Flight Data Recorder, Cockpit Voice Recorder, and ACARS data in determining the exact cause of the crash.
  • Khalid pointed out that the aircraft faced a loss of power, which could be attributed to engine malfunction, but it is highly unlikely for both engines to fail simultaneously due to a bird strike within a short timeframe.
  • Khalid highlighted the pilot's mayday call, suggesting that the crew was aware of a failure and attempted to manage it while airborne.
  • US aerospace safety consultant Anthony Brickhouse voiced similar concerns, noting that the landing gear's position was unusual for that phase of flight.
  • The aircraft was reportedly at a height of 600 feet when the incident occurred, raising questions about whether the crew was dealing with a single problem or multiple issues simultaneously.
  • Khalid mentioned that it's possible the loss of engine was detected beforehand, but this is speculative at this point.
  • The investigation focuses on understanding the cause of the crash, with multiple factors being considered.

Statistics:

  • The plane was at a height of 600 feet when the incident occurred.
  • The investigation is ongoing, with experts analyzing the Flight Data Recorder, Cockpit Voice Recorder, and ACARS data.
  • The landing gear position was unusual for that phase of flight.
  • Both engines failing simultaneously due to a bird strike is a highly unlikely scenario.

Sources:

  • Ehsan Khalid, former pilot
  • Anthony Brickhouse, US aerospace safety consultant