Expert Analysis: Former Pilot Weighs In on Ahmedabad Air Crash

In the wake of the Air India Flight AI-171 crash near Ahmedabad, former pilot Ehsan Khalid provided an analysis of the event. Khalid indicated that a loss of power could have been a contributing factor, though he considers a dual engine failure unlikely. The flight, en route to London, crashed near the airport, claiming the lives of 241 people. The plane, carrying 230 passengers and 12 crew members, took off at 1:17 PM and crashed into the BJ Medical College and Hospital. Khalid emphasized the need to analyze the Flight Data Recorder, Cockpit Voice Recorder, and ACARS data to determine the exact cause. Visual evidence suggests that the plane did not explode mid-air. Khalid raised concerns about why the landing gear remained deployed post-takeoff, hinting at a potential engine issue. A mayday call from the pilot indicated a problem detected in the cockpit. Khalid urged caution against hasty conclusions, acknowledging the complex nature of the situation. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has initiated a formal investigation, following international aviation safety protocols.