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The recent catastrophic crash of Air India flight AI 171 near Ahmedabad, involving a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, has brought back chilling memories of the 1978 'Emperor Ashoka' tragedy. The parallels between these two aviation disasters are undeniably eerie, raising questions about aviation safety and the potential for recurring systemic failures. Air India flight AI 171 crashed shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, impacting a residential area and claiming the lives of at least 274 people. This devastating incident mirrors the fate of Air India flight AI 855, the 'Emperor Ashoka,' which plunged into the Arabian Sea off Mumbai in 1978, killing all 213 passengers and crew on board. Both crashes occurred moments after departure, highlighting a critical vulnerability during the initial phase of flight. The 'Emperor Ashoka' disaster, which occurred on New Year's Day in 1978, involved Air India's first Boeing 747. The flight was en route to Dubai when, approximately one minute after takeoff, the aircraft entered a gentle right turn over the Arabian Sea. The captain's Attitude Director Indicator (ADI), a crucial instrument displaying the aircraft's pitch and bank attitude, malfunctioned, showing a fixed right bank even as the wings leveled. The captain, relying on the faulty ADI in the absence of a visual horizon at night, made incorrect control inputs, leading the aircraft to roll into an extreme bank angle and a steep descent into the sea. The subsequent investigation attributed the crash to the captain's disorientation and irrational control inputs based on the malfunctioning instrument. In contrast, the Ahmedabad incident of Air India flight AI 171 presents a different set of circumstances, though the immediate aftermath shares the horrifying similarity of a crash occurring shortly after takeoff. Veteran pilot Captain Rakesh Rai, familiar with the Dreamliner, observed that the aircraft's undercarriage remained extended throughout its short flight. This unusual detail raises questions about the sequence of events and potential mechanical or human factors that contributed to the crash. The failure to retract the landing gear suggests a possible failure in the takeoff procedure, potentially related to communication issues or a technical malfunction affecting the gear retraction system. Captain Rai speculated that the pilot may have encountered an issue preventing the standard 'positive rate' call and subsequent 'gear up' command, thus leading to a critical delay in retracting the undercarriage. The extended undercarriage would significantly increase drag, reducing the aircraft's climb rate and potentially contributing to the loss of control. The investigation into the Ahmedabad crash is ongoing, and the flight data recorder (black box) will be crucial in determining the exact cause of the disaster. However, the similarities with the 'Emperor Ashoka' tragedy – a crash shortly after takeoff – underscore the need for continuous vigilance and rigorous safety protocols in aviation. The 'Emperor Ashoka' crash highlighted the importance of instrument redundancy and pilot training in dealing with instrument malfunctions, especially in conditions of limited visibility. The Ahmedabad crash, on the other hand, raises questions about the takeoff procedure, mechanical reliability, and the interaction between the pilots and the aircraft's systems during a critical phase of flight.
The recurrence of similar accidents, albeit decades apart and involving different aircraft types, prompts a broader examination of aviation safety. Are there underlying systemic issues that contribute to these recurring types of accidents? One possibility is that certain phases of flight, particularly takeoff and landing, inherently pose higher risks due to the complex interplay of factors, including aircraft performance, weather conditions, pilot workload, and air traffic control. The initial phase of flight is particularly critical, as the aircraft transitions from ground operations to airborne flight. The takeoff roll, rotation, and initial climb require precise control and coordination, and any deviation from the norm can quickly escalate into a dangerous situation. The 'Emperor Ashoka' crash demonstrated the devastating consequences of instrument malfunction and pilot disorientation in the absence of visual cues. While modern aircraft are equipped with sophisticated navigation and display systems, the human factor remains paramount. Pilots must be thoroughly trained to recognize and respond to instrument failures, and to maintain situational awareness even under stressful conditions. The Ahmedabad crash highlights the importance of adherence to standard operating procedures and the effective communication between the pilots. The failure to retract the undercarriage suggests a potential breakdown in the communication loop or a procedural oversight that had catastrophic consequences. In addition to human factors, mechanical reliability is also a critical component of aviation safety. Aircraft are complex machines with numerous interconnected systems, and the failure of any one system can jeopardize the entire flight. Regular maintenance and inspections are essential to identify and address potential mechanical issues before they lead to accidents. The investigation into the Ahmedabad crash will undoubtedly examine the aircraft's maintenance history and the condition of its critical systems at the time of the accident. Furthermore, the role of air traffic control (ATC) in ensuring the safe departure of aircraft cannot be overlooked. ATC provides essential guidance and support to pilots during takeoff and landing, and any errors or miscommunications can have serious consequences. The investigation will likely examine the communications between the flight crew and ATC in the moments leading up to the Ahmedabad crash to determine if any procedural deviations or miscommunications contributed to the accident.
Beyond the specific circumstances of these two crashes, the broader issue of aviation safety culture deserves attention. A robust safety culture promotes open communication, encourages reporting of errors and near misses, and fosters a proactive approach to risk management. In a healthy safety culture, pilots and other aviation professionals feel empowered to raise concerns without fear of reprisal, and organizations prioritize safety over efficiency and cost-cutting. The 'Emperor Ashoka' crash prompted significant changes in pilot training and instrument redundancy, aimed at preventing similar accidents from occurring. However, the Ahmedabad crash suggests that more needs to be done to address potential systemic vulnerabilities. One area of focus should be the development of more effective training programs for pilots, emphasizing situational awareness, decision-making under stress, and the ability to recognize and respond to abnormal situations. These programs should incorporate realistic simulations and scenarios that challenge pilots to apply their knowledge and skills in a dynamic and demanding environment. Another area of focus should be the improvement of aircraft maintenance and inspection procedures, ensuring that potential mechanical issues are identified and addressed before they compromise flight safety. This requires a collaborative effort between manufacturers, airlines, and regulatory agencies, with a focus on data sharing and continuous improvement. Furthermore, the aviation industry should continue to invest in research and development of new technologies that enhance safety, such as advanced flight control systems, improved weather forecasting, and enhanced communication systems. These technologies can help to mitigate risks and reduce the likelihood of accidents. The Ahmedabad crash serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and continuous improvement in aviation safety. By learning from past accidents and proactively addressing potential vulnerabilities, the aviation industry can work to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future. The families and friends of the victims of both the 'Emperor Ashoka' and Ahmedabad crashes deserve nothing less.
Source: Eerie Parallels Between Ahmedabad Crash And 1978 'Emperor Ashoka' Tragedy