Did you know that a tiny gray dot spotted in crash footage could solve one of aviation's most puzzling mysteries? Three days after Air India Flight 171 crashed in Ahmedabad, killing 241 people, new evidence has completely changed how experts view this tragedy.
What Happened to Air India Flight 171?
On June 12, 2025, Air India Flight 171 took off from Ahmedabad Airport bound for London. Just 30 seconds after takeoff, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner crashed into a medical college building. Only one passenger survived from the 242 people on board. At least 33 people on the ground also died.
The crash sent shockwaves through the aviation world. How could a modern aircraft like the Boeing 787 crash so quickly after takeoff?
The Big Theory Change: From Pilot Error to Engine Failure
Initially, aviation experts pointed fingers at pilot mistakes. Some blamed wrong flap settings. Others thought the co-pilot accidentally raised flaps instead of landing gear.
But Captain Steve Scheibner, a former Navy pilot and respected aviation expert, now believes something else happened. We've analyzed his latest findings, and they paint a very different picture.
The Smoking Gun: A Small Gray Dot
Captain Steve found compelling evidence in crash footage: a small gray dot beneath the wing that he identifies as the Ram Air Turbine (RAT). This tiny device only comes out when both engines fail completely.
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Boeing 787 Dreamliner RAM Air Turbine deployment location diagram showing gray emergency power unit beneath aircraft wing |
What Is a RAM Air Turbine (RAT) ?
Think of the RAT as an airplane's emergency backup generator. When both engines die, this small turbine pops out and spins in the wind to create basic power. It gives pilots just enough electricity to control the plane and talk to ground control.
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| RAM Air Turbine (RAT) |
The Boeing 787 deploys its RAT only in the most critical situations. Seeing it deployed indicates the plane has lost all engine power, suggesting a severe issue rather than pilot error.
Four Pieces of Evidence Support Engine Failure Theory
We've examined Captain Steve's analysis and found four strong clues that support the dual engine failure theory:
1. Visual Evidence
High-quality crash footage shows the RAT deployed under the right wing. This small gray protrusion only appears during total power loss.
2. Audio Clues
The crash video captures a high-pitched sound that Scheibner describes as sounding "like a little Cessna going by," which is the RAT spinning at near-sonic speeds.
3. Survivor Testimony
The lone survivor in seat 11A reported hearing a loud bang and seeing lights flicker before impact, which is consistent with RAT deployment.
4. Mayday Call Reports
Sources mention the captain made a distress call about losing engine power, though air traffic control audio hasn't been released yet.
Why This Changes Everything
According to our research, this evidence shifts blame from human error to mechanical failure. The pilots may have done nothing wrong. Instead, both engines failed catastrophically right after takeoff.
But this creates a bigger mystery. Modern Boeing 787s are extremely reliable. Both engines failing at once is incredibly rare.
Expert Reactions Are Mixed
The aviation community is buzzing about this new theory. We've seen discussions in a YouTube video by Juan Browne, where he calls the RAT evidence compelling.
LinkedIn aviation professional Nikesh Jain and Twitter aviation analyst Ranga Sirilal both support the engine failure theory. Their backing adds weight to Captain Steve's findings.
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Nikesh Jain's Post on LinkedIn( screenshot taken by Monojit Paul) |
What Could Cause Both Engines to Fail?
Several scenarios could kill both engines simultaneously:
• Bird Strike: Large birds or flocks hitting both engines
• Fuel Contamination: Bad fuel affecting both engines
• Foreign Object Damage: Debris sucked into engines
• Manufacturing Defect: Rare but possible engine problems
• Fuel System Failure: Complete fuel supply loss
Each possibility has serious implications for aviation safety worldwide.
The Investigation Continues
India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau is leading the investigation with help from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board. The black box has been recovered.
Black box data will reveal exactly what happened in the cockpit and to the engines. This information should confirm or deny the RAT deployment theory within weeks.
International experts are also examining the wreckage. Every piece of metal tells part of the story.
What Happens Next?
The investigation will focus on several key areas:
Engine Analysis:
Investigators will tear apart both engines looking for failure signs. They'll check for bird remains, metal fatigue, or manufacturing defects.
Black Box Data:
Flight recorders contain conversations, engine readings, and control inputs. This data will show exactly what the pilots faced.
Fuel Testing:
Labs will analyze fuel samples for contamination or quality issues.
Maintenance Records:
Every repair and inspection will be reviewed for missed problems.
Why This Matters for Air Travel
If both engines failed due to a design flaw or maintenance issue, other Boeing 787s worldwide could face similar risks. Airlines might need immediate inspections or repairs.
But if the cause was a freak accident like a massive bird strike, it shows how quickly aviation disasters can happen despite modern safety systems.
The RAT deployment suggests the pilots fought to save the plane with minimal power. Their actions in those final seconds may have prevented an even worse tragedy.
The Bigger Picture
This crash reminds us that aviation safety depends on constant vigilance. Modern planes are incredibly safe, but they're not perfect. When systems fail, pilots need every tool available to save lives.
The RAT system worked as designed, giving the crew emergency power. But at just 400-500 feet altitude, there wasn't enough time or space to recover.
Looking Forward
We've found that crash investigations often take months or years to complete. But early evidence like the RAT deployment helps focus the investigation on the most likely causes.
This case shows how modern technology, from high-definition cameras to detailed aircraft systems, helps solve aviation mysteries faster than ever before.
Key Takeaways
The Air India Flight 171 investigation has taken a dramatic turn. What looked like pilot error now appears to be catastrophic engine failure. A small gray dot in crash footage has changed everything experts thought they knew.
While we wait for official findings, this case reminds us why aviation safety requires constant improvement. Every crash teaches lessons that make flying safer for everyone.
At Tech Auto Hub, we believe understanding these complex investigations helps the public appreciate the dedication of aviation professionals working to prevent future tragedies. The families affected by this crash deserve answers, and the aviation community won't rest until they get them.
The next few weeks will bring crucial revelations as investigators piece together this puzzle. Stay tuned for updates as this story develops.
