Simulation, RAT deployment raise focus on technical fault in Boeing 787 disaster
New Delhi: More than two weeks after the tragic crash of an Air India Boeing 787 near Ahmedabad, investigators are exploring a possible dual engine failure as a key cause of the disaster. The crash killed 241 people, with only one survivor, making it one of the deadliest aviation accidents in India in decades.
Investigators and Air India officials are now focusing on the aircraft’s engines, which were made by General Electric Co. A flight simulation carried out by Air India pilots, using the same aircraft settings, showed that the jet should have been able to stay airborne. This has led experts to look deeper into potential technical or power-related issues.
A major clue came from the activation of the emergency power turbine, known as the RAT (Ram Air Turbine). This fan automatically deploys during a loss of electrical power to provide backup. The RAT deployed just seconds before the crash, strongly suggesting a severe loss of power onboard.
The official probe is being led by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB). The black boxes—the cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder—have been recovered and data is under analysis. These devices will offer vital clues about what went wrong.
A video of the June 12 crash shows the plane struggling to climb after takeoff, then sinking rapidly before exploding on impact. Investigators noted that the wing flaps and slats were extended properly, which rules out pilot error in that area.
However, a strange detail has caught attention—the landing gear was partially tilted, as if the crew had started retracting it. But the gear doors had not opened, which may suggest a hydraulic failure caused by power loss.
Modern aircraft engines are managed by a digital control system called FADEC (Full Authority Digital Engine Control). If the engines failed or the FADEC system malfunctioned, it could explain the sudden loss of power.
Boeing has declined to comment, referring all questions to the AAIB. General Electric also said it could not comment on an active investigation.
Air India has not issued a fresh statement either. A spokesperson from the airline said only that the investigation is ongoing.
Sources said the crash occurred 15 seconds after the pilots sent a Mayday call, indicating that they were dealing with a critical emergency.
The US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and Boeing have sent teams to assist in the probe. However, no timeline has been given for when the black box data will be released publicly.
The crash marked the first loss of a Boeing 787 Dreamliner due to an accident and has raised serious concerns about engine reliability and emergency system performance.
As the nation waits for answers, the aviation industry is closely watching the outcome of the investigation, which could lead to changes in global safety protocols.
