Indore (Madhya Pradesh): A horrifying tragedy struck the aviation sector on Thursday as an Air India Boeing Dreamliner 737 crashed just two minutes after takeoff from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, killing all 241 passengers and 12 crew members on board. The aircraft was bound for London.
According to senior aviation experts, the crash is unlikely due to human error or poor weather, both of which have been ruled out. Instead, they suspect a combination of engine failure, hydraulic system malfunction and possibly a bird strike as the reasons the advanced aircraft turned into a fireball shortly after takeoff.
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) will now conduct an intensive probe. Official findings are expected in about 30 days, which may confirm or rule out these suspected causes.
Free Press spoke to top aviation veterans, who shed light on what might have led to one of the most catastrophic air disasters in recent memory.
No cockpit error
Former Director General & Colonel Commandant, Army Aviation, Lt Gen AK Suri said, “Two-three things need to be understood. There is no pilot error here. Both pilots were highly experienced and weather was clear. A long-haul flight with 70 tonnes of fuel under normal high temperatures might have triggered pressure on the aircraft. If both engines and the hydraulic system failed, or if a bird got sucked into the engine, that combination could’ve turned the aircraft into a fireball.”
Truth lies in black box
Former Officer of Airport Authority of India, Aryama Sanyal said “The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), under the Ministry of Civil Aviation, begins immediate investigation in such cases. Their preliminary findings are usually available within 30 days. The AAIB’s final report will be crucial not only in identifying the cause of this crash but also in helping prevent such incidents in the future”
Such incidents cause fear, but are rare
MD, Jose Travels & Former Chairman, TAAI & TAFI, TK Jose said “Yes, such incidents cause widespread fear among passengers. It takes time for that fear to subside. But thankfully, the rate of such fatal crashes in India is extremely low. That helps maintain public confidence and morale in air travel overall”
