New clue links AI171 crash to 2020 Gatwick Incident

On 12th June, AI171, headed from Ahmedabad to London, crashed minutes after take-off, and investigation soon commenced. The black box has been retrieved but damage sustained has made it difficult to retrieve. The Air Accident Investigation Branch (AAIB) of India has contacted America’s National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). They need assistance to help retrieve the data. In this context, a clue has come forth from Gatwick, London. It might help in unraveling the cause of the crash.

Also read: Air India Plane Crash Near Ahmedabad Airport Report Huge Causalities: Rare Dual-Engine Failure Suspected

The Gatwick Incident

In February 2020, Airbus A321 took off from Gatwick airport and faced a similar situation as the AI171. Right after take-off, both engines malfunctioned, and the pilot sent 3 mayday signals to the ATC (Air Traffic Control). It was soaring at a height of 3580 feet. But unlike the Ahemdabad crash, the pilot was able to turn around and safely land the plane in 11 minutes.

The ensuing investigation revealed that fuel contamination was the reason for engine failure. In earlier flights too, the staff had faced difficulties in starting one of the engines of the plane. There were stalling messages as well. The responsible engineers had not checked the engine thoroughly. They found no fault and cleared the plane for flying that night.

Why AI171 crashed?

AI171 could not make a safe landing like the Airbus A321. The plane had only gained a height of 635 feet. There was no altitude cushion for the pilot to attempt a manoeuvre like the Gatwick landing.

The UK’s AAIB, which investigated the Gatwick Incident, is also a part of the AI171 investigation. Initial observations suggest that the flight crashed shortly after take-off. This was due to a power failure of the main electrical system. Now, signs of fuel contamination are also being examined through a chemical investigation. Fuel contamination with water is reported to be the most common cause of power loss in flights. Although speculations about sabotage have been put down by the authorities.

For all latest updates Follow theviralmail on X, Facebook, and Instagram