"Improper flap setting, Aircraft lost lift," Aviation expert Captain Steve analyses reason for AI-171 crash
New Delhi [India] June 13 (ANI): Aviation expert and experienced pilot Captain Steve has suggested that the crash of Air India flight AI171 was likely linked to many reasons rather than a direct engine failure, based on his review of visual evidence and aircraft characteristics.
In a YouTube video, Captain Steve, who has flown both the Boeing 777 and the Boeing 787, said, 'Three main theories revolve around the loss of lift of this aeroplane.'
He added, 'The Boeing 787 is more capable than the 777 in many ways, and one of the first things I noticed in the video was how flat the aircraft seemed before the nose rounded out.'
Captain Steeeve said there had been widespread speculation about the aircraft's flap positions, key components that affect lift during takeoff.
'From that distance, it is impossible to tell whether the flaps are out or up,' he explained.
'For the Boeing 787, at that gross weight, they would most likely be taking off with Flaps Five -- meaning leading-edge devices deploy at the front and flaps extend five degrees at the back.'
However, he found it perplexing that the aircraft in the crash video showed no signs of flap deployment.
'This aeroplane does show characteristics that it doesn't have any flap, which is perplexing and head-scratching for sure,' he said.
Observing the sequence of events captured on video, he noted that the aircraft looked normal initially with its landing gear still down, which is unusual since gear retraction typically occurs around 50 feet above ground.
'We can see both engines, and while we don't know if they are producing thrust, there's also no flame, sparks, or indication that they're not operating normally,' he pointed out.
Addressing the theory of a twin-engine power loss, Captain Steeeve said, 'Let me be specific -- this was a loss of lift. It could have been caused by power loss, but the main theory is that the aircraft lost lift and simply stopped flying.'
'If both engines failed, it could be due to a flock of birds, but we don't see that in the video. There's no flame from the engines. The other possibility is fuel contamination -- both engines share fuel -- but you'd usually see sputtering or erratic behaviour even then. Everything looked smooth, so I don't think it was an engine issue.'
Explaining another possible cause behind the incident, Captain Steeve said, 'Another theory I think is that the pilot told the co-pilot 'gear up' at the appropriate time. I think the co-pilot grabbed the flap handle and raised the flaps instead of the gear. If that happens, it's big -- and that explains why the aeroplane stopped flying. The lift over the wings died because at that point, the flaps were absolutely retracted. All the extra lift you're producing over the wings just goes away.'
He added, 'You're already slow, the power is pulled up and pushed all the way -- and you've still got those big landing gears out there producing all sorts of drag. That's a bad combination at this point.'
Referring to visuals from the video, he observed, 'You see the nose starting to come over. Why? Because the aeroplane is trying to create as much lift as it can over those wings. And if the flaps are coming up, it's going to nose over even more to get airflow over the wings.'
'That could be an uncomfortable feeling for the pilot at the controls -- he's losing airspeed, and he begins to lose altitude. He may think the gear didn't come up. He might not know the flaps came up -- he just sees motion next to him,' Steeve said.
Further analysing the sequence, he stated, 'As we see in the video, at that height, the plane starts descending. The pilot pulls the nose up a little more, power is likely pushed up, and now he's going to get a power-on stall. Not enough lift is being produced by the wings, and all that drag is still being produced by the landing gear that's still out there.'
Captain Steeve, while analysing the aircraft's flight behaviour, said, 'I could be completely wrong on this, but the flight characteristics, to me, look like there wasn't any lift coming over the wing. And the only way that could happen is if they didn't have the proper flap setting.'
He continued, 'However, if they had an improper flap setting, it's inconceivable in my mind that they did that takeoff roll without the flaps out -- because the bells and the horns and everything would be going off at that point.'
The incident remains under investigation by aviation safety authorities. (ANI)
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
India Gazette
43 minutes ago
- India Gazette
Crew of stealth frigate 'Tamal' celebrates International Yoga Day at iconic Kant Cathedral in Russia
Moscow [Russia], June 22 (ANI): The crew of the soon-to-be-inducted stealth frigate Tamal celebrated the International Day of Yoga 2025 at the iconic Kant Cathedral in central Kaliningrad, Russia, the Indian Navy said on Saturday. In a post on X, the Navy wrote, 'Yoga for one Earth one Health- The crew of the soon to be inducted Stealth Frigate Tamal celebrated the International Day of Yoga 2025 at the Iconic Kant Cathedral in Central Kaliningrad, Russia.' Meanwhile, the Indian Embassy in Russia celebrated the 11th International Day of Yoga 2025 at the iconic VDNKH (Exhibition of Achievements of National Economy) in Moscow on Saturday. The event drew hundreds of participants who came together to promote unity, wellness, and the benefits of yoga. Indian Ambassador to the Russian Federation Vinay Kumar and Bulat Nurmukhanov, Deputy Chairman, Moscow City Tourism Committee, led the event. 'Celebrating #IDY2025 at the iconic VDNKH with the Moscow City Government. Hundreds joined in the spirit of unity, wellness & yoga. Amb @vkumar1969 & Mr. Bulat Nurmukhanov, Dy. Chairman, Moscow City Tourism Committee, led the event. Beautiful morning of harmony and health!' Indian Embassy in Russia said in a post on X. Earlier, the Indian Embassy in Tokyo also shared pictures, celebrating the 11th International Day of Yoga, promoting harmony, peace, and collective well-being through this ancient practice. 'The sacred chants of 'Om' reverberated across Tokyo during the celebrations of the 11th International Day of Yoga, organised by the Embassy of India, Tokyo invoking harmony, peace, and collective well-being,' the Embassy of India in Japan wrote on X. 'Following an energizing yoga session, participants enjoyed a taste of India with refreshing mangoes, nutritious millets, and warm chai, served at the 11th International Day of Yoga hosted by the Embassy of India, Tokyo,' the India Embassy said in a post on X. Meanwhile, the Indian Embassy in Nepal and the Consulate General of India in Birgunj on Saturday organised a series of engaging events across 10 cities and municipalities in Nepal, including Kathmandu, Pokhara, Lamjung, Lumbini, Janakpur, Chitwan, Birgunj, Hetauda, Rautahat and Bariyarpur to mark the 11th International Day of Yoga. (ANI)
India Gazette
43 minutes ago
- India Gazette
Hundreds celebrate International Yoga Day in Beijing
Beijing [China], June 22 (ANI): In Beijing, hundreds of yoga enthusiasts gathered on Saturday to celebrate the International Day of Yoga, the Indian Embassy in China said. The event began with a soulful kirtan and continued with an energizing session of the Common Yoga Protocol, officially marking the start of the 11th International Yoga Day celebrations at the Old Chancery complex. 'A moment of unity under the morning sky !@iccr_hq@moayush@IndianDiplomacy,' the Indian Embassy in China wrote in a post on X. In a series of posts on X, the Indian Embassy in China said, 'The sun rose, the mats rolled out, and the 11th International Yoga Day began at Old Chancery complex, Beijing, with calm and purpose. From a beautiful Kirtan to the energizing Common Yoga Protocol, the morning brought together hundreds of yoga lovers.' 'A guided meditation helped participants centre themselves & experience calm. The experience was elevated with a graceful performance blending yoga with the grace of Odissi! The crowd was also spellbound by the advanced yoga demonstrations,' it posted. 'Winners of online contests held in the run-up to Yoga Day were felicitated, alongside participants of the spirited Yoga Challenge! Gratitude to the yoga masters & dedicated volunteers who brought the celebration to life,' it added. Meanwhile, the first batch of 'Kailash Manasarovar Yatra' Yatris also performed Yoga while on their way. In a post on X, the Indian Embassy said, 'Yoga for health, peace and harmony. The first batch of 'Kailash Manasarovar Yatra' Yatris via Nathu La route, performed Yoga to mark the International Day of Yoga 2025 in Bainang County in Tibet Autonomous Region, while on their way to perform the holy Yatra.' Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the 11th International Day of Yoga celebrations in Andhra Pradesh's Visakhapatnam, hailing yoga as a gift 'beyond age' that transcends all boundaries and unites humanity in 'health and harmony.' The event took place against the scenic backdrop of the Visakhapatnam coastline, with Indian Navy ships stationed near the shore, adding to the grandeur of the celebrations. The Prime Minister praised the efforts of the Andhra Pradesh government and extended his appreciation to Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and Jana Sena Party chief Pawan Kalyan for hosting the event in Visakhapatnam. Recognising its universal appeal, on 11 December 2014, the United Nations proclaimed 21 June as the International Day of Yoga by resolution 69/131. The International Day of Yoga aims to raise awareness worldwide of the many benefits of practising yoga. Yoga is an ancient physical, mental and spiritual practice that originated in India. The word 'yoga' derives from Sanskrit and means to join or to unite, symbolising the union of body and consciousness. Today, it is practised in various forms around the world and continues to grow in popularity. (ANI)
Hindustan Times
2 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
AI plane crash: Last rites of crew member Irfan Shaikh held in Pimpri-Chinchwad
Jun 22, 2025 06:50 AM IST Relatives and friends gave an emotional farewell to Irfan Shaikh, crew member of the ill-fated Air India-171 flight that crashed in Ahmedabad last week, as his remains were laid to rest at Pimpri-Chinchwad on Saturday. The Shaikh family received 22-year-old Irfan's remains after a DNA match on Friday, and they were brought to Pune in the early hours of the day. The family includes his grandparents, parents, and brother. (HT PHOTO) The Shaikh family received 22-year-old Irfan's remains after a DNA match on Friday, and they were brought to Pune in the early hours of the day. The family includes his grandparents, parents, and brother. The final rites were held at Hazrat Bilal burial ground in Nehrunagar in the presence of family, neighbours, friends, and leaders from across political parties at around 9.30 am. Irfan was on board the London-bound Air India flight, AI 171, that crashed into a building in a medical college complex moments after take-off from the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad on June 12. A total of 241 persons on board the Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft were killed in the crash, along with 29 others on the ground. 'Irfan joined the aviation industry as a cabin crew member two years ago after completing a course at a private institute in Pune. He initially worked with Vistara, and after the Air India-Vistara merger, he began flying on international routes. Irfan's father Salim Shaikh runs a small shop in Tukaramnagar and his brother works in a software company,' said Firoz Shaikh, Irfan's relative. The youngster had big dreams and was determined to excel in the field, but the crash shattered all those dreams, he said.
