Air India 787 Crash: Flight Recorder Sheds Light on Final Moments

A preliminary report into the devastating crash of Air India Flight AI-171 has uncovered a chilling and preventable cause: a mechanical failure in the pilot’s seat that ultimately cost 270 lives.

CRITICAL ERROR: PILOT SEAT MALFUNCTION DURING TAKEOFF

According to the official report, the disaster unfolded during takeoff when the locking mechanism of the pilot’s seat failed, causing the seat to suddenly slide backward. In a tragic reflex, the captain’s hands pulled the throttle levers into the “idle” position, drastically reducing engine thrust just seconds after liftoff.

The co-pilot immediately attempted to regain control, but the captain’s reclined position obstructed access to vital flight controls. Within seconds, the Boeing 787 lost lift and crashed into a nearby building housing medical workers.

BLACK BOX ANALYSIS: A DEADLY SEQUENCE UNFOLDS IN SECONDS
Data from the flight recorder and cockpit voice system reveals a chilling chain of events:

• +12 seconds – The captain’s seat unexpectedly shifts backward.

• +15 seconds – The co-pilot urgently announces, “We’re losing thrust!”

• +26 seconds – The aircraft stalls at just 214 feet above the ground.

Although the crew attempted recovery, the combination of low altitude and compromised controls left no margin for error.

CRITICAL SYSTEM AND PROTOCOL FAILURES IDENTIFIED
Investigators found that standard emergency procedures — including commands like “GO-AROUND” and “STAB TRIM” — were never issued. Compounding the issue, the Boeing 787’s throttle levers lacked key protective features, such as weight-based locking or reverse-motion safeguards.

SAFETY AUTHORITIES AND INDUSTRY RESPONSE
The preliminary findings prompted swift regulatory action:

• The FAA and EASA mandated urgent checks on all 787 pilot seat assemblies.

• Air India temporarily grounded 12 aircraft with similar service records.

• Boeing has committed to redesigning the seat mechanism, with implementation targeted for 2026.

LOSS OF LIFE AND SURVIVOR DETAILS
The crash claimed the lives of 270 people, including passengers, crew, and residents of a hostel struck by the aircraft. One passenger — a British national — survived and remains under medical care.

Of the 242 people onboard, the nationalities included:

• 169 Indian

• 53 British

• 7 Portuguese

• 1 Canadian

Additionally, over 40 individuals on the ground sustained injuries.

LOOKING AHEAD: FINAL REPORT COMING JULY 2025
The comprehensive investigative report is scheduled for release in July 2025. Meanwhile, aviation authorities worldwide are reviewing existing protocols and safety systems in light of the findings.

FINAL THOUGHTS: AN AVOIDABLE LOSS THAT DEMANDS CHANGE
This tragedy underscores the urgent need for robust emergency procedures, reliable mechanical safeguards, and thorough oversight. Investigators and aviation leaders now face a shared responsibility — to ensure such a failure is never repeated.