Air India Flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner bound for London,
crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025.
The aircraft, carrying 242 people, failed to gain altitude,
issued a mayday call, and crashed into a residential area,
resulting in the deaths of nearly all on board and additional casualties
on the ground
Key Contributing Factors Identified So Far
Loss of Lift and Insufficient Thrust:
Experts and video evidence indicate the aircraft struggled to gain altitude, achieving only about 672 feet before descending rapidly. The engines appeared to provide insufficient thrust, as the aircraft's speed was significantly below what is required for a safe climb.Landing Gear and Flap Configuration:
Multiple sources confirm the landing gear remained extended well after takeoff, which is abnormal and increases aerodynamic drag, severely limiting climb performance. Additionally, the wing flaps, which should remain extended during initial climb to provide extra lift, were reportedly fully retracted at a low altitude and low speed—a highly risky configuration
Possible Technical or Mechanical Failure:
Visual evidence suggests the pilots may have attempted to retract the landing gear, but it was quickly extended again, possibly due to a mechanical or hydraulic failure. This could have prompted the crew to retract the flaps early in an attempt to reduce drag, but this maneuver at low speed and altitude can cause a dangerous loss of lift36.Pilot Response:
Pilots were observed "yanking the yoke" in an attempt to gain lift as the aircraft lost altitude. The mayday call was issued moments after takeoff, indicating immediate distress in the cockpit
Speculative Causes (Pending Investigation):
Engine flame-out due to bird ingestion or fuel contamination is considered possible, given the sudden loss of power16.
Flap or landing gear malfunction could have forced the pilots into a configuration that left the aircraft unable to climb36.
Single engine failure is also speculated, given the reported right rudder input, which could indicate asymmetric thrust
Expert Analysis and Next Steps
Aviation experts agree that the combination of extended landing gear, retracted flaps, and insufficient engine thrust created a situation where the aircraft was unable to maintain a positive rate of climb, leading to an aerodynamic stall and subsequent crash. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has initiated a formal investigation, with technical teams from Boeing and international agencies expected to participate
Thrust and Lift Relationship
Aircraft wings generate lift primarily as a function of airspeed: the faster air moves over the wings, the more lift is produced. Engine thrust is what propels the aircraft forward, creating the necessary airspeed for the wings to generate lift18.
If engine thrust is insufficient, the aircraft cannot accelerate or maintain the airspeed needed for adequate lift. As airspeed drops, so does lift, eventually falling below what is needed to keep the aircraft airborne
Expert Explanation
"If thrust decreases and airspeed decreases, lift will become less than weight and the aircraft will start to descend. To maintain level flight, the pilot can increase the angle of attack an amount that generates a lift force again equal to the weight of the aircraft."
Source : -- FAA Aerodynamics of Flight
