Netizens Debate RAT Deployment Clues In Air India Crash Video Amid ‘What Went Wrong' Probe
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While the exact cause of the crash remains unconfirmed, multiple theories have emerged including a possible dual engine failure or major technical malfunction
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The crash of Air India's Ahmedabad-to-London flight AI171, which killed all 241 passengers on board, has sent shockwaves across the globe. The tragic incident has reignited concerns about air safety, despite commercial aviation being widely regarded as one of the safest modes of transport.
The Boeing 787 Dreamliner went down shortly after taking off from Ahmedabad Airport. While the exact cause of the crash remains unconfirmed, multiple theories have emerged including a possible dual engine failure or major technical malfunction.
Authorities have launched a full-scale investigation and are examining data recovered from the aircraft's black box. Officials say the real cause of the crash will only be known after a detailed technical analysis is completed.
Even as the official investigation is underway, several users on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) have begun dissecting videos of the crash, searching for clues. One particular theory that has gained traction is the suspected deployment of the RAT (Ram Air Turbine), a small, foldable turbine that powers the aircraft during emergency situations.
Captain Steve Scheibner Backs Dual-Engine Failure Theory
A YouTube video by Captain Steve Scheibner, a former US Navy pilot and aviation expert, has added weight to the speculation. In the video, Scheibner analyses new crash footage using both visual and audio evidence to suggest the possible deployment of the RAT — which could point to a serious systems failure on board.
'There was no evidence of engine failure — no fire, no sparks, no smoke from the engines," Scheibner initially said. 'So, I thought they maybe grabbed the wrong handle and prematurely raised the flaps… But I am going to change my analysis now due to this new video," he said.
Scheibner explained that on a Boeing 787, the RAT is automatically deployed in one of three scenarios: a massive electrical failure, a hydraulic system collapse, or a dual engine failure — the most severe of the possibilities.
'A lot of people are talking about the RAT theory. The purpose of the RAT is to provide electrical and hydraulic pressure for the aircraft in an extreme emergency… I'm going to give three or more reasons why I believe RAT was deployed — and why I now believe this was a dual engine failure," he added.
Audio is consistent with the 787's ram air turbine (RAT) deployed, indicating a loss in engine power. https://t.co/XdMFWmNZdX pic.twitter.com/R6RyZGZZbN — OSINTtechnical (@Osinttechnical) June 12, 2025
While Scheibner's analysis and crowd-sourced theories are fuelling online discussion, people will have to wait for the final findings of the investigation. The black box data, including cockpit voice recordings and flight system logs, will play a crucial role in confirming whether the RAT was indeed deployed and what triggered the fatal sequence of events.
Meanwhile, Air India and aviation safety authorities are yet to issue an official statement addressing the RAT deployment theory.
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New Delhi, India, India
First Published:
June 16, 2025, 14:14 IST
News viral Netizens Debate RAT Deployment Clues In Air India Crash Video Amid 'What Went Wrong' Probe
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