Investigators are examining the crash of Air India Flight AI-171, which occurred on June 12 en route from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick. This incident has similarities to a February 2020 event at Gatwick involving the same aircraft model, an Airbus A321, which declared a Mayday call shortly after takeoff.
The UK Air Accident Investigation Division (AAIB) reported that engine failure during the recent flight was likely due to fuel system contamination, despite prior checks by engineers. Detailed analysis of the flight’s technical log is ongoing to uncover any abnormalities in the 24 hours leading up to the crash.
Initial observations indicate that the aircraft experienced significant electrical failures just after takeoff, with evidence suggesting a total power loss. The crash occurred when the aircraft reached only 625 feet altitude. Investigators noted that previous flights had reported thrust issues, raising concerns about maintenance practices and possible fuel contamination.
The black box and DVR data have been recovered but are reportedly corrupted, complicating data extraction. The AAIB is comparing the current investigation’s findings with the 2020 incident and looking into potential technical negligence or corrosion that may have led to the engine failure.
Investigators are particularly focused on chemical analysis of debris, which has shown high levels of contaminants. The team is thorough, considering that this is the first crash involving the Boeing 787, and they are exploring all evidence to determine the cause of the crash.
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