smh.com.au
Air India 787 Crash in Ahmedabad
Air India Flight AI 171, a Boeing 787, crashed two kilometers from Ahmedabad airport after takeoff for London due to unknown causes, with the landing gear reportedly still deployed during the final descent.
- What potential procedural or technical failures should investigators prioritize in their analysis of AI 171, and how can the industry learn from this tragedy to enhance flight safety?
- Future investigations must analyze the possibility of incorrect flap or landing gear retraction sequence, as well as a comprehensive review of pilot actions and adherence to pre-flight checklists. The impact of high temperature on engine performance and aircraft weight should also be considered, alongside a detailed analysis of the flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder data.
- How do the multiple safety mechanisms designed into modern airliners, such as the Ram Air Turbine (RAT) and multiple pre-flight checklists, intersect with the events surrounding the AI 171 crash?
- The accident occurred during takeoff on a hot day, requiring higher speeds for lift-off. While multiple safety mechanisms exist to prevent issues like flap non-deployment (which would have prevented lift-off) or engine failure, the aircraft's descent with deployed landing gear suggests a potential procedural error.
- What were the immediate contributing factors to the crash of Air India Flight AI 171, considering the aircraft's weight, the high temperature, and the reported deployment of the landing gear during the descent?
- Air India Flight AI 171, a Boeing 787, crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad, India, bound for London. The aircraft, carrying a full load of passengers, cargo, and fuel for a long-haul flight, became airborne but descended rapidly, crashing two kilometers from the runway. Initial reports suggest the landing gear remained deployed during the descent.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The narrative frames the accident through the lens of a technical analysis, emphasizing the aircraft's safety features and procedures. While informative, this framing may unintentionally minimize the potential role of human factors or other contributing elements.
Language Bias
The language used is largely objective and technical, avoiding emotionally charged terms. However, phrases such as "tragic footage" and "terminal descent" subtly influence the reader's perception of the event.
Bias by Omission
The analysis focuses heavily on technical aspects of flight and aircraft performance, potentially omitting crucial information regarding pilot training, maintenance records, air traffic control communications, and any pre-existing mechanical issues with the aircraft. The lack of investigation into these areas limits a complete understanding of the accident's causes.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a false dichotomy by framing the potential causes as either 'human error' or unspecified technical malfunction. It neglects other possibilities, such as a combination of factors or unforeseen circumstances.
Sustainable Development Goals
A plane crash leads to loss of life and can have significant economic consequences for families and the national economy. This can disproportionately affect low-income populations who may lack the resources to cope with such losses.