The recent crash of the Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner near Ahmedabad has sparked intense global attention, not only because of the tragedy itself but also due to emerging clues that shed light on what might have gone wrong during those critical final moments. This accident has opened new avenues of investigation framed by technical analyses, survivor testimonies, and footage that together begin to unfold a narrative centered largely on unexpected mechanical failures rather than human error or external disruptions.
One of the first perplexing details noted about the flight was the unusually long takeoff run of 3.5 kilometers, considerably exceeding the typical 2.5 to 3 kilometers for this aircraft type. While no abnormal preflight requests or adjustments—such as altered engine thrust or flap settings—were recorded by air traffic control, this extended roll hints at subtle performance issues that might have gone unnoticed before departure. Idle curiosity quickly turns into critical consideration as longer takeoff distances generally suggest that the plane struggled to generate necessary lift or power. This discrepancy serves as a tentative starting point, raising the possibility that the aircraft was already grappling with unseen mechanical difficulties as it left the ground.
The greater technical intrigue, however, centers on the activation of the Ram Air Turbine (RAT), a seldom-used emergency device designed to deploy only in the most catastrophic system failures. Aviation experts, including US Navy veteran Captain Steve Scheibner, have identified the RAT’s activation in newly revealed footage from the aircraft’s final moments. The RAT is essentially a small turbine that surfaces automatically if both engines fail or if there is a total electrical system loss, providing the emergency hydraulic pressure and electrical power necessary to maintain some control over the aircraft’s systems. Its deployment is a glaring signal that everything upstream has already gone dark; it’s the last-resort system kicking in as the plane begins to lose its lifelines.
Captain Steve’s analysis posits that the RAT’s deployment strongly indicates a complete dual-engine failure on this Air India flight. Survivor testimonies further reinforce this theory, with accounts describing a loud bang, flickering cabin lights, and an eerie high-pitched whine consistent with the turbine noise emitted by the RAT. Though official confirmation of a distress call (Mayday) remains unclear, these auditory clues align closely with a rapidly deteriorating in-flight emergency. Video footage scrutinized by experts also shows a small but unmistakable device extended beneath the aircraft, consistent with the RAT’s appearance, which adds visual confirmation to the emergency power theory.
The rarity of such complete failures on a modern jet like the Boeing 787—which sports numerous redundant systems designed specifically to prevent catastrophic shutdowns—magnifies the gravity of the event. The RAT is effectively the plane’s “backup battery” in its most extreme form, signaling that the primary engines and electrical systems had failed spectacularly by that point. The device’s automatic deployment underscores the suddenness and severity of the malfunction sequence. Indeed, most aviation analysts agree the presence of RAT activation narrows the investigation towards internal mechanical failures rather than the pilot’s actions or any external interference.
Exploring the consequences of a dual-engine failure reveals just how extraordinary such a situation is. Modern commercial jets are built with multiple safeguards—multiple engines operate independently so that losing one does not jeopardize the flight. Losing both engines simultaneously is a near-impossible scenario given rigorous maintenance, stringent fueling protocols, and continuous monitoring. This unprecedented possibility forces investigators to widen their scope, meticulously analyzing maintenance logs, engine telemetry data, fuel integrity, and pilot response strategies. Some theories suggest sudden and unexplained power loss, while others explore potential external environmental factors or hidden mechanical flaws that might have triggered the cascade of failures.
The earlier noted longer takeoff roll gains new weight under this light. While no odd requests were lodged prior to departure, the fact that the aircraft took noticeably more runway than expected could retrospectively point to developing performance hindrances. However, without access to complete flight data and cockpit voice recordings, such interpretations must remain cautious hypotheses. These forensic analyses will be key to reconstructing the exact timeline and pinpointing the technical faults that led the aircraft to such a dire state.
Beyond the technical dissection, this tragedy also revives broader discussions in the aviation community about emergency fail-safes like the RAT, pilot training for rare but severe system failures, and potential updates to flight safety protocols. Calls for more transparency in real-time system health monitoring, enhanced redundancy designs, and emergency preparedness drills are gaining momentum. The accident starkly reminds the industry that despite cutting-edge technology, complex systems can unravel suddenly, and the human element must remain ready to confront these extremes.
In summary, the Air India Boeing 787 accident exposes a multifaceted puzzle beginning with an elongated takeoff roll and culminating in the rare—and revealing—deployment of the Ram Air Turbine. The RAT’s activation serves as a vivid marker of a catastrophic, likely dual-engine failure that overwhelmed redundant safety systems. Survivor accounts and expert video analysis reinforce this narrative, steering the investigation away from pilot or external fault towards severe internal mechanical collapse. This unprecedented event challenges assumptions about the infallibility of advanced commercial aircraft and underscores the indispensability of ongoing technological innovation and emergency vigilance. As the aviation community awaits detailed official reports, the emerging technical insights and witness perspectives collectively deepen our understanding of how even the most sophisticated modern aircraft can face devastating emergencies—and what must be done to safeguard future flights.
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