Air India Plane Crash on June 12, 2025 – Detailed Analysis of Likely Causes

 Air India Plane Crash on June 12, 2025 – Detailed Analysis of Likely Causes

On June 12, 2025, India witnessed one of its deadliest aviation tragedies when an Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad airport. The aircraft, bound for London, carried more than 240 passengers and crew. Within moments of lifting off, the aircraft lost altitude and plummeted into a residential and medical college area near the airport, resulting in over 200 confirmed fatalities.

As investigators begin their deep dive into the cockpit voice recorder, flight data recorder, and wreckage analysis, aviation experts have proposed three main theories behind the crash. Let’s break them down.

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✈️ Theory 1: Bird Strike Leading to Dual Engine Failure

One of the strongest possibilities being discussed is a massive bird strike that caused both engines to fail almost immediately after takeoff.

Evidence & Reasoning:

Eyewitnesses and early video footage show flames coming from one or both engines just seconds after takeoff.

The aircraft never climbed beyond 600–700 feet.

The landing gear remained extended, indicating the crew had little to no time for post-takeoff procedures.

The crew reportedly sent a MAYDAY distress signal, suggesting they knew the situation was rapidly deteriorating.

Technical Explanation:

Birds are a known hazard during the takeoff phase, especially in areas close to garbage dumps or wetlands that attract large flocks. If a significant number of birds were sucked into both engines simultaneously, it could lead to a complete loss of thrust.

While modern engines are built to withstand bird strikes, they are not invincible. If both engines experience flameout due to multiple bird impacts, the aircraft essentially becomes a glider with limited time to find a safe landing spot.

Historical Reference:

This theory reminds many of US Airways Flight 1549, famously known as the "Miracle on the Hudson", where a bird strike disabled both engines. However, unlike that case, the Air India aircraft was much heavier and had no immediate open space to glide to safety.

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⚙️ Theory 2: Incorrect Takeoff Configuration (Pilot or System Error)

Another theory suggests the aircraft was not configured properly for takeoff — possibly due to pilot oversight or automation failure.

Evidence & Reasoning:

The aircraft showed signs of a nose-up attitude but failed to gain altitude.

It crashed with the landing gear down, indicating either an attempt to abort or that post-takeoff checklist actions weren’t completed.

There may have been insufficient lift, suggesting issues with flap or slat deployment.

Technical Explanation:

Flaps and slats are crucial during takeoff to increase lift at lower speeds. If the pilot fails to set the correct flap configuration, or if the system fails to deploy them properly, the aircraft will struggle to generate enough lift.

In such a scenario, the plane may stall shortly after takeoff. If engine power is also compromised, recovery becomes nearly impossible.

Even small misjudgments or a malfunctioning sensor that relays wrong data about the aircraft’s position and speed can result in a catastrophic outcome.

Possibility of Human Error:

The aviation industry emphasizes checklists and automation, but mistakes can still happen. Under stress, fatigue, or distraction, even experienced pilots may overlook critical steps — especially during short turnarounds or tight schedules.

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⚠️ Theory 3: Flight Control System or Technical Failure

This theory revolves around the possibility of a sudden and unexpected technical malfunction in the aircraft’s fly-by-wire system or control surfaces.

Evidence & Reasoning:

Boeing 787s are heavily reliant on software-based systems to control flight dynamics.

A technical fault could have disrupted autopilot, thrust management, or control surface behavior.

No reports have suggested external damage (e.g., terrorism), pointing more towards internal malfunction.

Technical Explanation:

In fly-by-wire aircraft like the Dreamliner, pilot inputs are interpreted by software, which then directs actuators to move control surfaces. If this system misinterprets data from faulty sensors — such as airspeed or angle of attack — it can cause the aircraft to pitch dangerously.

This is similar to what occurred in the Boeing 737 MAX crashes due to faulty MCAS software relying on bad sensor input.

Known Risk Factors:

Pitot tube icing or blockage could provide false airspeed readings.

Faulty angle-of-attack sensors can trick the software into thinking the aircraft is stalling, prompting nose-down or other incorrect automatic reactions.

Power loss or system reboot mid-air can momentarily paralyze control systems.

Even though such failures are rare, they can be catastrophic if they occur during takeoff or landing phases — when the aircraft has minimal altitude buffer to recover.

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🧠 Possible Combined Scenario

While each of the above theories is strong independently, the most likely scenario might be a combination of multiple failures:

> Bird strike causes engine flameout → Improper takeoff configuration (flaps/gear) adds drag → Aircraft can't gain lift → Crash.

Such chain reactions are sadly common in aviation disasters, where one issue triggers another in rapid succession, leaving pilots with mere seconds to act.

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🔚 Conclusion

The Air India crash of June 12, 2025, is a tragic reminder of how critical every component of flight is — from engine integrity to sensor reliability to crew vigilance. Until the black boxes are fully decoded and the investigation is complete, these three theories offer the most logical explanations for what may have gone fatally wrong.

As we await the final report, aviation authorities and the airline industry must re-examine flight safety protocols, bird hazard mitigation near airports, and the reliability of fligh

t control systems.

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