Latest news with #RamMohanNaiduKinjarapu
News18
10 hours ago
- General
- News18
Power Failure Behind Ahmedabad Air India Crash? What Investigators Are Learning
Last Updated: Early findings suggest the aircraft may have suffered a power failure seconds after liftoff, but officials stress that the final cause will depend on black box data Officials familiar with the investigation into the June 12 crash of Air India flight AI-171 from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick suspect a sudden power failure shortly after takeoff may have brought down the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, which crashed into a medical hostel building after gaining an altitude of only 625 feet. While the final cause will be known only after black box data is decoded, initial visual assessments, including wreckage patterns, ATC reports, and takeoff videos, point to a failure of the aircraft's main electrical system within seconds of liftoff. The aircraft did not reach the minimum altitude required to execute an emergency turnaround or make use of its Ram Air Turbine (RAT), a backup system designed to power critical functions in case of total electrical loss. The black boxes — Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) — have been recovered and are currently in the safe custody of the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu confirmed on Thursday. He said the investigation is progressing with full support from local authorities, and that key recovery work, including site documentation and evidence collection, has been completed, with further analysis now underway. In response to reports suggesting the black boxes were being sent abroad, the Ministry of Civil Aviation clarified that no final decision has been made. 'It has been reported in certain media outlets that the CVR/DFDR (black box) from the ill-fated AI171 flight is being sent abroad for retrieval and analysis… the decision regarding the location for decoding the flight recorders will be taken by the AAIB after due assessment of all technical, safety, and security considerations," the ministry said in a statement. According to a report in The Indian Express, an officer aware of the ongoing investigation said that early findings do not suggest cockpit error. Based on initial observations, the pilots are believed to have attempted to gain manual control using the Dreamliner's reversionary systems, but the lack of altitude left little room for recovery. The aircraft had reportedly pitched up for liftoff when the power failure occurred, but failed to climb beyond 625 feet — far below the safe path minimum of 3,600 feet. The officer further said that had the aircraft achieved an elevation of around 3,600 to 4,900 feet, the RAT might have been able to help sustain a glide or enable a Mayday return. Instead, the aircraft dropped sharply, with the impact separating the tail section due to its elevated nose position at the time of the crash. Investigators are now closely examining the aircraft's technical logs and maintenance records from the 24 to 48 hours before the crash. The aircraft had flown a round trip from Delhi to Paris on June 11-12 and had earlier completed a Delhi-Tokyo-Delhi sector. Officials are checking whether any crew or ground engineers reported anomalies, including ECAM (Electronic Centralised Aircraft Monitor) messages, engine thrust issues, or unusual sensor readouts. While sabotage has not been indicated, investigators are examining whether fuel contamination—such as water in the fuel—could have contributed to the suspected power failure. According to The Indian Express, the officer said this scenario may be a leading explanation if no direct technical fault (mechanical or electrical) is found. Water in aviation fuel is a known cause of power loss and may remain undetected until the aircraft is airborne, especially if it leads to corrosion or clogging in the fuel system. Chemical analysis of the wreckage, especially around the fuel tanks and delivery systems, is underway to identify any unusual chemical traces, impurities, or signs of corrosion. Forensic engineers have collected debris samples for lab testing, but much of the fuel system was damaged in the explosion and fire. Comparisons are also being drawn with a February 2020 incident at London's Gatwick Airport, where an Airbus A321 suffered dual engine failure shortly after takeoff. That aircraft returned safely to the airport after declaring Mayday thrice, but only because it had climbed to nearly 3,580 feet, investigators said. The UK's Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB), which is now in Ahmedabad to assist with the AI-171 probe, had concluded in the 2020 case that the failure was caused by fuel system contamination. Notably, engineers had found no faults in the aircraft before it was cleared to fly that night. As per The Indian Express, the officer pointed out that the Gatwick aircraft had shown signs of engine trouble on three previous flights. These included multiple attempts to start one engine and in-flight stalling messages. However, engineers had not conducted an extensive follow-up examination, resulting in the failure being missed. Investigators are now checking whether any such signs were overlooked in the case of AI-171. The Ahmedabad crash is the first known accident involving a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, a modern aircraft known for its fly-by-wire systems and backup electrical configurations. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner is designed to continue flight on a single engine and can operate on manual reversion in case of dual hydraulic failure — standard capabilities for the aircraft type. However, according to the officer cited by The Indian Express, the crash altitude was too low for any of these backup systems to be effectively deployed. The crash has raised serious questions around last-mile maintenance checks, fuel quality verification, and pre-flight inspection protocols. While a final conclusion will depend on flight data and chemical forensics, investigators are 'leaving nothing to chance" given the rarity of a failure involving the 787 platform.
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Business Standard
12 hours ago
- Business Standard
Vietnam-bound Air India flight returns to Delhi as 'precautionary measure'
'Air India flight AI388 to Ho Chi Minh City returned to Delhi as a precaution. All passengers are safe and will depart on an alternate aircraft with a fresh crew at 1800 hrs today,' the airline said ANI An Air India flight (AI388) from Delhi to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, returned to the national capital on Thursday evening as a precautionary measure shortly after takeoff. Air India said that the aircraft landed safely and all passengers were disembarked without incident. "Air India flight AI388 from Delhi to Ho Chi Minh City has air returned to Delhi as a precautionary measure. The flight landed safely back in Delhi and all passengers have been disembarked and served refreshments while an alternative aircraft with fresh crew has been arranged to fly the passengers to Ho Chi Minh City at 1800 hrs today," the airline said in a statement. "The inconvenience caused to passengers is sincerely regretted. At Air India, the safety of our customers and crew remains top priority," it added. Earlier in the day, Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu convened a detailed video conference with all Airport Directors across the country to review ground-level preparedness and passenger support mechanisms in the light of rescheduling of flights happening due to multiple reasons like post-accident checks, weather changes, closing of certain airspaces due to geopolitical tensions, etc. During the meeting several directives were issued including close liaison with airlines was emphasized to ensure passenger issues are addressed swiftly and on the spot. Availability of food, drinking water, and adequate seating facilities at terminals must be ensured, particularly during flight delays or congestion. Sufficient personnel must be deployed at key touchpoints to manage passenger grievances proactively, Civil Aviation Ministry said in a release on Thursday. Airport Directors were requested to extend all possible assistance to airlines facing operational disruptions, including gate reassignments and logistical support. To maintain a safe and secure airport environment, Airport Directors were directed to reinforce wildlife hazard management, including the deterrence of birds and stray animals, it added. The Minister of Civil Aviation held a high-level meeting with the Chairman & Managing Director of Air India and the discussions focused on three critical aspects like maintaining operational continuity, supporting transparent and accountable communication with the public and passengers' safety and convenience, release said. The meeting noted that due to the evolving situation in the Middle East, enhanced safety checks, and a ban on night flying in Europe, Air India is facing reduced aircraft availability, release stated. "As a result, they will temporarily scale down operations, restructure flights, and announce changes through the media. Affected passengers will be rebooked or offered full refunds. Air India was urged to strengthen their ground-level coordination at airports, improve communication with passengers regarding cancellations/delays, and ensure that customer service teams are sensitised and equipped to handle increased passenger concerns with empathy and clarity," Civil Aviation Ministry said. As per an official release, meetings were also held with the senior managements of Spice Jet, Indigo and Akasa on 18th and 19th June. The Minister reviewed the fleet performance, safety oversight, passengers experience & convenience and the airline communication strategy. It was also decided that the practice of periodical review with the airlines on operational matters will be institutionalised for better monitoring and coordination. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has commenced a formal inquiry into the Air India flight crash near Ahmedabad, an official release said. A multi-disciplinary team from AAIB has commenced an investigation on June 12, 2025. The investigation has been ordered by DG, AAIB. NTSB and OEM teams have arrived to assist AAIB as per ICAO protocols. A combined unit of the Digital Flight Data Recorder (DFDR) and Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) has been recovered from the crash site on 13 June 2025 and another set was found on 16 June. This model of aircraft has two Blackbox sets. The AAIB investigation is progressing steadily with all necessary support from local authorities and agencies. Key recovery work, including site documentation and evidence collection, has been completed, and further analysis is now underway. The Ministry remains committed to full transparency relating to the ongoing investigation and will follow all mandated protocols and norms, in the larger interest of the highest standards of Passenger Safety and convenience. The Minister emphasised the importance of working together as a cohesive and responsive team to uphold passenger trust and bring operational stability, which has been the cornerstone of Indian aviation over the years. It has been reported in certain media outlets that the CVR/DFDR from the ill-fated AI171 flight is being sent abroad for retrieval and analysis. The decision regarding the location for decoding the flight recorders will be taken by the AAIB after due assessment of all technical, safety, and security considerations, ministry further added. The Ministry of Civil Aviation also urged all stakeholders to refrain from speculation on such sensitive matters and to allow the investigative process to proceed with the seriousness and professionalism it warrants.
India Today
a day ago
- Politics
- India Today
Location for decoding crashed Air India plane's black box to be decided: Government
The decision regarding the location for decoding the black box recovered from the doomed Air India plane in Ahmedabad last week will be decided after due assessment of all technical, safety and security considerations, the government said on government's response came after reports suggested that India would send the black box to the US for data recovery as the recorder was heavily damaged in the crash, which killed 270 people. However, the government said the location would be decided by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB).advertisementOn June 12, the London-bound Air India Flight AI171 crashed into a government-run medical hostel in Ahmedabad minutes after taking off from the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. Only one survivor out of the 242 people aboard the ill-fated flight survived. The government said the AAIB recovered the black box from the crashed plane 28 hours after the tragedy. The AAIB, which is probing the crash, said its probe is progressing steadily with all necessary support from local authorities and agencies. Key recovery work, including site documentation and evidence collection, has been completed, and further analysis is now the crash, all planes under the Boeing 787-8/9 fleet of Air India are undergoing an enhanced safety inspection that began on June 15, the Civil Aviation Ministry doomed plane - a Boeing 787 Dreamliner - featured two black box sets and authorities were probing the combined unit of the digital flight data recorder (DFDR) and cockpit voice recorder (CVR) recovered from the crash CVR, which captures audio from the cockpit, including pilot conversations, and FDR collectively form what is known as the black box. Decoding the black box is significant as it would provide an in-depth insight into what led to the crash and the moments before the tragedy Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu convened a detailed video conference with all airport directors across the country to review ground-level preparedness and passenger support mechanisms in light of the rescheduling of flights happening for multiple reasons, like post-accident checks, weather changes and closing of certain airspaces due to geopolitical minister emphasised the importance of working together as a cohesive and responsive team to uphold passenger trust and bring operational the exact reason behind the crash will only be known after decoding the black box, former US Navy pilot Captain Steve Scheibner, in an interview with India Today TV, suggested that the deployment of the ram air turbine (RAT) shortly after takeoff pointed to a dual engine InTrending Reel
News18
a day ago
- Politics
- News18
'Steady Progress In Air India Crash Probe': MoCA Says Both Black Boxes In Safe Custody Of AAIB
Last Updated: Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu said there should be no speculation over the Air India crash so that the probe can proceed with "seriousness and professionalism" Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu on Thursday said the investigation into the Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad is progressing, and both the black boxes are in the safe custody of AAIB. Naidu, who held a safety and performance review with airport directors and airline services, said a multi-disciplinary team from the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has begun an investigation into the accident that killed around 270 people on June 12. Explaining that the AAIB is analysing the black boxes recovered from the crash site, he stressed that there should be no speculation on the matter so that the probe can proceed with the 'seriousness and professionalism it warrants". In line with our commitment to Prioritising Passenger Safety & Operational Stability, I held a nationwide VC with all Airport Directors. Directed stronger coordination with airlines, assured supply of essentials at terminals & quick response teams for passenger support during…— Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu (@RamMNK) June 19, 2025 'In keeping with our theme of Transparent Oversight, AAIB's investigation into the Air India incident in Ahmedabad is progressing smoothly. Both black boxes recovered and in AAIB's safe custody; analysis is underway. It is requested to refrain from speculation on such sensitive matters and to allow the investigative process to proceed with the seriousness and professionalism it warrants," Naidu wrote in a post on X. According to the MoCA, the AAIB will decide on the location of decoding the black box of the crashed Boeing 787 Dreamliner. 'It has been reported in certain media outlets that the CVR/DFDR (black box) from the ill-fated AI171 flight is being sent abroad for retrieval and analysis…the decision regarding the location for decoding the flight recorders will be taken by the AAIB after due assessment of all technical, safety, and security considerations," it said. AIRPORT DIRECTORS, AIRLINES ASKED TO PRIORITISE PASSENGERS Naidu held a nationwide video conference with all airport directors and airline services, including Air India, IndiGo, SpiceJet and Akasa. He said this was to 'assess safety standards, operational readiness and passenger experience". He said he directed airports and airline services to prioritise passenger safety and operational stability. 'I held a nationwide VC with all airport directors. Directed stronger coordination with airlines, assured supply of essentials at terminals and quick response teams for passenger support during disruptions due to weather, safety checks or airspace closures," he wrote in his social media post. First Published: June 19, 2025, 18:48 IST
Time of India
a day ago
- Time of India
Air India crash aftermath: Aviation minister Ram Mohan Naidu holds meeting with airlines, airport officials
The ministry of civil aviation launched a comprehensive review of aviation safety, airline performance, and passenger support systems across the country on Thursday, in the wake of the recent Air India incident near Ahmedabad. Civil aviation minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu chaired a detailed video conference with airport directors nationwide to assess how airports are handling disruptions caused by weather changes, post-accident inspections, and airspace closures linked to geopolitical tensions. Here are the key directives issued to improve ground operations: Airports have been told to work closely with airlines to ensure that passenger's issues are resolved promptly and at the ground level. Availability of food, water, and seating facilities at terminals must be ensured, specifically during delays or congestions. Adequate staff should be stationed at key touchpoints to proactively handle passenger grievances. Airport directors were asked to provide full support to airlines experiencing operational disruptions, including help with gate changes and other logistical arrangements. To ensure a safe and secure airport environment, Airport Directors were instructed to strengthen wildlife hazard management, including measures to deter birds and stray animals. The minister also held a high-level meeting with Air India's chairman and managing director to address three major concerns: maintaining operational continuity, improving transparency in public communication, and prioritising passenger safety. Due to ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and night flying restrictions in Europe, Air India is experiencing reduced aircraft availability. The airline has decided to scale down some operations temporarily and restructure flight schedules. Passengers affected by cancellations or changes will be rebooked or offered full refunds. Air India has been urged to strengthen its ground coordination and improve the clarity and empathy of its communication with passengers. Similar meetings were held with senior management from SpiceJet, IndiGo, and Akasa on June 18 and 19, where the minister reviewed fleet readiness, safety protocols, passenger experience, and communication strategies with all carriers. He further announced that such operational reviews would now become a regular practice. Meanwhile, the aircraft accident investigation bureau (AAIB) began a formal probe into the Air India flight crash near Ahmedabad. A multi-disciplinary team began investigations on June 12, and recovered both black box sets, the Digital Flight Data Recorder and Cockpit Voice Recorder, from the site. International teams from the NTSB and aircraft manufacturers have also joined the probe as per ICAO guidelines. The ministry confirmed that recovery work and evidence collection have been completed, and further analysis is underway. It reiterated its commitment to transparency, saying that the AAIB will follow all safety and investigative protocols. Addressing speculation around the black box being sent abroad for decoding, the ministry clarified that any decision on the location for analysis would be taken only after evaluating technical and security concerns. The ministry also urged all stakeholders to avoid speculation on such sensitive issues and to allow the investigation to continue with the seriousness and professionalism it deserves. Stay informed with the latest business news, updates on bank holidays and public holidays . AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
