Lack Of Lift, Pilots Yanking Yoke: What May Have Happened In Plane’s Cockpit

Air India flight AI-171, en route from Ahmedabad to London, met with an accident shortly after takeoff, reaching an altitude of only 672 feet, and NDTV has – according to expert insights – reconstructed the possible events that unfolded in the cockpit during the final moments.

The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner was carrying 242 individuals – 230 passengers, 10 crew, and two pilots – when it crashed at 1:38 pm, shortly after departing from Ahmedabad airport. Videos depict the aircraft having difficulty ascending before it starts to lose lift (the upward force enabling an airplane to remain in flight) and subsequently crashes, erupting in flames.

According to an analysis of the footage, specialists noted that the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, a model with a flawless safety history, departed from the Ahmedabad runway and encountered minimal thrust shortly thereafter.

Experts indicated that the pilots would have been pulling the yoke at this moment to increase lift and altitude, and the footage reveals that the aircraft’s landing gear was also extended. A Mayday alert was transmitted after departure, signaling that the plane was in trouble. Experts indicated that as the lift diminished, the pilots likely tried to raise the nose of the aircraft, but it continued to fall.

They noted that 174 knots was the top speed the aircraft could reach, which should have been significantly greater, suggesting that the engines were not producing sufficient power.

“The take-off was perfect and just, I believe, short of taking the gear up, the aircraft started descending, which can happen only in case the engine loses power or the aircraft stops developing lift. Obviously, the investigation will reveal the exact reason.” Captain Saurabh Bhatnagar, a former senior pilot, told NDTV.

The plane had 169 Indians, 53 British nationals, a Canadian and 7 Portuguese on board. Air India has also set up a dedicated hotline number: 1800 5691 444.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he is “stunned” by the tragedy and he is in touch with ministers and authorities.

“The tragedy in Ahmedabad has stunned and saddened us. It is heartbreaking beyond words. In this sad hour, my thoughts are with everyone affected by it. Have been in touch with ministers and authorities who are working to assist those affected,” PM Modi posted on X.