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The Air India Boeing 787 crash near Ahmedabad airport, a tragic event marking India’s deadliest air disaster in nearly two decades and the first fatal incident involving the 787 Dreamliner, has been subjected to intense scrutiny and analysis in the aftermath. Initial speculation about the cause of the crash was varied, encompassing possibilities such as power loss, fuel contamination, bird strikes, and flap configuration errors. However, the emergence of new video evidence has led to a significant shift in the perspective of at least one prominent aviation expert, Captain Steve Scheibner, a former US Navy pilot and experienced aviation commentator. Scheibner, who initially considered multiple potential causes, has now revised his analysis, focusing on the possibility of a dual engine failure as the primary contributing factor to the disaster. His revised assessment is based largely on the observation of a deployed ram air turbine (RAT) in a clearer video of the crash scene, combined with survivor accounts and reported communications from the aircraft's crew. The presence of the RAT, an auxiliary power source deployed automatically in the event of a complete electrical, hydraulic, or dual-engine failure, strongly suggests a catastrophic loss of power aboard the aircraft prior to the crash. This aligns with reports of a Mayday call from the captain indicating a loss of thrust, further strengthening the argument for engine failure. The convergence of this evidence—the visual confirmation of RAT deployment, the audible signature of its operation, the survivor's testimony of a loud bang and flickering lights, and the reported Mayday call—lends considerable weight to the theory that a dual engine failure was the critical event that led to the Air India Boeing 787 crash. The importance of this reassessment lies in its potential to direct future investigations and preventative measures. Understanding the precise sequence of events that culminated in the disaster is crucial for identifying potential vulnerabilities in the aircraft's design, maintenance protocols, or operational procedures, thereby reducing the risk of similar incidents in the future. The thorough analysis performed by Captain Scheibner provides a valuable framework for further investigation, highlighting the significance of meticulously examining all available evidence and carefully considering the potential implications of each piece of information.
Captain Steve Scheibner's initial assessment of the crash, delivered shortly after the event, considered several potential causes, including power loss, fuel contamination, bird strikes, and flap configuration errors. These possibilities were based on preliminary information available through social media videos and initial reports. However, the emergence of higher-quality video footage revealed a crucial detail that dramatically altered Scheibner's perspective: the presence of a deployed ram air turbine (RAT). The RAT is a small wind turbine that automatically extends from the aircraft's fuselage in the event of a major electrical, hydraulic, or dual-engine failure. Its purpose is to provide emergency power to essential systems, allowing the pilots to maintain control of the aircraft and potentially execute a safe landing. The deployment of the RAT is a clear indication that the aircraft experienced a significant loss of power prior to the crash. In his updated analysis, presented in a YouTube video, Scheibner meticulously pointed out the location of the RAT on the aircraft's belly, noting its distinct appearance. He also drew attention to the high-pitched squeal audible in the video, attributing it to the operation of the RAT's two-bladed propeller. This audible signature further corroborated the visual evidence of RAT deployment, providing additional support for the theory of a power-related emergency. Furthermore, Scheibner referenced the account of a survivor seated in seat 11A, near an emergency exit, who reported hearing a loud bang and witnessing flickering lights before the crash. This account aligns perfectly with the scenario of a RAT deployment, as the sudden extension of the turbine and the subsequent generation of emergency power could plausibly explain the reported noise and light fluctuations. In addition to the visual and auditory evidence, Scheibner also cited unconfirmed reports of a Mayday call from the captain, in which the crew allegedly reported losing thrust or experiencing some form of engine malfunction. While the details of the Mayday call remain unverified, its potential existence further reinforces the argument for a dual engine failure as the primary cause of the crash. The combined weight of this evidence—the visual confirmation of RAT deployment, the audible signature of its operation, the survivor's account, and the reported Mayday call—led Scheibner to conclude that a dual engine failure was the most likely explanation for the tragic event.
The significance of Captain Scheibner's revised analysis extends beyond simply identifying a potential cause of the crash. It underscores the importance of meticulous investigation and the careful consideration of all available evidence, even seemingly minor details. The initial assessment, based on limited information, considered a range of possibilities. However, the emergence of higher-quality video footage and the corroboration of that footage with survivor accounts and reported communications from the crew led to a more focused and compelling hypothesis. The deployment of the RAT is a critical piece of evidence, as it provides a direct indication of a major power loss on board the aircraft. The fact that the RAT deployed suggests that the pilots were facing a dire emergency, potentially involving a complete loss of engine power. The investigation into the Air India Boeing 787 crash is ongoing, and official findings have yet to be released. However, the analysis provided by Captain Scheibner offers a valuable framework for further investigation, highlighting the importance of focusing on the possibility of a dual engine failure. Understanding the precise sequence of events that led to the crash is crucial for identifying potential vulnerabilities in the aircraft's design, maintenance protocols, or operational procedures. By thoroughly investigating the possibility of a dual engine failure, investigators may be able to uncover the root cause of the disaster and implement measures to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. This could involve examining the aircraft's engine maintenance records, analyzing the fuel supply, and reviewing the pilots' training and procedures. Ultimately, the goal is to ensure the safety of air travel and to prevent future tragedies like the Air India Boeing 787 crash. The meticulous analysis performed by Captain Scheibner serves as a reminder of the importance of thorough investigation and the careful consideration of all available evidence in the pursuit of aviation safety.
The role of the Ram Air Turbine (RAT) in this scenario is particularly noteworthy. The RAT is designed as a last-resort power source, intended to provide essential functionality when the aircraft's primary power systems have failed. Its deployment indicates a severe electrical or mechanical issue, compelling the pilots to rely on emergency systems for continued control. The appearance of the RAT in the video footage serves not only as evidence of a critical failure, but also underscores the severity of the situation faced by the flight crew. It suggests that the aircraft experienced a complete loss of its primary power sources, leaving the pilots with limited options. The RAT's operation, while providing essential power, may also have impacted the aircraft's performance, potentially affecting its handling and stability. Understanding the impact of the RAT's deployment on the aircraft's behavior is crucial for reconstructing the final moments of the flight and determining the extent to which it contributed to the crash. Furthermore, the sound of the RAT's propeller, described as a high-pitched squeal, provides an additional layer of information. This audible signature, captured in the video footage, reinforces the visual evidence of RAT deployment and helps to confirm the sequence of events leading up to the crash. The survivor's account of a loud bang and flickering lights is also consistent with the scenario of RAT deployment. The sudden extension of the turbine and the subsequent generation of emergency power could plausibly explain the reported noise and light fluctuations. This corroboration of the visual and auditory evidence with eyewitness testimony further strengthens the argument for a dual engine failure as the primary cause of the crash.
In conclusion, the revised analysis of the Air India Boeing 787 crash by Captain Steve Scheibner, based on new video evidence and corroborating survivor accounts, presents a compelling case for dual engine failure as the primary contributing factor. The deployment of the Ram Air Turbine (RAT), a crucial indicator of a major power loss, combined with the audible signature of its operation, the survivor's testimony of a loud bang and flickering lights, and the reported Mayday call, lends considerable weight to this theory. While the official investigation is ongoing, Scheibner's analysis provides a valuable framework for further inquiry, highlighting the importance of focusing on the possibility of a dual engine failure and thoroughly examining all available evidence. The meticulous investigation of this tragic event is essential for identifying potential vulnerabilities in the aircraft's design, maintenance protocols, or operational procedures, thereby reducing the risk of similar incidents in the future. The insights gained from this investigation can contribute to enhancing aviation safety and preventing future tragedies. It serves as a reminder of the importance of continuous improvement and the unwavering pursuit of safety in the aviation industry. The legacy of the Air India Boeing 787 crash should be a renewed commitment to safety and a dedication to learning from past mistakes. The findings of the investigation should be widely disseminated and incorporated into training programs and operational procedures to ensure that all pilots and aviation professionals are aware of the potential risks and are equipped to handle similar situations effectively. The pursuit of aviation safety is an ongoing process, requiring constant vigilance and a willingness to adapt to new challenges and emerging threats. The Air India Boeing 787 crash serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of complacency and the importance of maintaining a strong safety culture within the aviation industry.