Terrible Plane Crash in India

[durangodawood]

242 aboard - no survivors apparently Crashes into urban area shortly after takeoff. No explosions during its unexplained descent - until it hits the ground. Another Boeing jet, but at this point cause is pure speculation.

Air India crash latest: At least 200 killed as plane to London crashes moments after take-off in Ahmedabad

 

[SimplyMe]

Before you besmirch Boeing (which I will admit being worried about), the 787 is (or at least was) the safest airplane in history, with no previous fatal crashes. We also should be careful, at this point, about casting blame. At least two possible issues that I've seen are 1) the possibility (per the video) that birds were sucked into the engine and 2) the fact that the flaps did not appear to be deployed when the plane crashed, suggesting that they were not properly set for the takeoff. I think, at this point, we need to wait for the crash investigation and what they conclude.

 

[MyOwnSockPuppet]

242 aboard - no survivors apparently Crashes into urban area shortly after takeoff. No explosions during its unexplained descent - until it hits the ground. Another Boeing jet, but at this point cause is pure speculation.

Air India crash latest: At least 200 killed as plane to London crashes moments after take-off in Ahmedabad

BBC are reporting that according to the Ahmedabad Police Commissioner there's one survivor, and currently 204 bodies recovered.

 

[durangodawood]

Before you besmirch Boeing (which I will admit being worried about), the 787 is (or at least was) the safest airplane in history, with no previous fatal crashes. We also should be careful, at this point, about casting blame. At least two possible issues that I've seen are 1) the possibility (per the video) that birds were sucked into the engine and 2) the fact that the flaps did not appear to be deployed when the plane crashed, suggesting that they were not properly set for the takeoff. I think, at this point, we need to wait for the crash investigation and what they conclude.

Definitely not assigning blame. But the notion cant help but spring to mind given where their priorities have been for the last couple decades.

 

[adrianmonk]

Before you besmirch Boeing (which I will admit being worried about), the 787 is (or at least was) the safest airplane in history, with no previous fatal crashes. We also should be careful, at this point, about casting blame. At least two possible issues that I've seen are 1) the possibility (per the video) that birds were sucked into the engine and 2) the fact that the flaps did not appear to be deployed when the plane crashed, suggesting that they were not properly set for the takeoff. I think, at this point, we need to wait for the crash investigation and what they conclude.

Yea, from the video it looks like the flaps are not in the takeoff position. Then again its not the clearest video. But from what I have learned, there is a very loud alarm when take off thrust is applied and the aircraft is not in the proper take off configuration.

 

[SimplyMe]

Definitely not assigning blame. But the notion cant help but spring to mind given where their priorities have been for the last couple decades.

As I stated, my first thought was that I hoped it wasn't a Boeing, for the exact same reason (particularly with the current set of whistleblowers). I remarked to my husband recently how sad it is, with how proud we were of Boeing in the 70s, when they were they were largely considered the world's best airplane manufacturer. It is sad, that even before this, if I were an airline executive I'd not want to buy Boeing aircraft for our fleet and would likely buy them from Airbus.

 

[adrianmonk]

As I stated, my first thought was that I hoped it wasn't a Boeing, for the exact same reason (particularly with the current set of whistleblowers). I remarked to my husband recently how sad it is, with how proud we were of Boeing in the 70s, when they were they were largely considered the world's best airplane manufacturer. It is sad, that even before this, if I were an airline executive I'd not want to buy Boeing aircraft for our fleet and would likely buy them from Airbus.

The McDonnell Douglas merger changed the company culture. They went from engineer the best aircraft to keep the stock price high as the priority.

 

[iluvatar5150]

Yea, from the video it looks like the flaps are not in the takeoff position. Then again its not the clearest video. But from what I have learned, there is a very loud alarm when take off thrust is applied and the aircraft is not in the proper take off configuration.

Folks in r/aviation have pointed out (with video examples) that the flaps on the 787 aren't super visible from a distance, and also that the ram-air turbine (which automatically deploys on dual engine failure) can be heard (along with a lack of regular engine noise) as it flies by and crashes.

 

[iluvatar5150]

BBC are reporting that according to the Ahmedabad Police Commissioner there's one survivor, and currently 204 bodies recovered.

Not only did he survive, he literally walked away.

 

[wing2000]

Not only did he survive, he literally walked away.

"Why me?"

 

[RileyG]

How very sad!

 

[adrianmonk]

Folks in r/aviation have pointed out (with video examples) that the flaps on the 787 aren't super visible from a distance, and also that the ram-air turbine (which automatically deploys on dual engine failure) can be heard (along with a lack of regular engine noise) as it flies by and crashes.

That's true, plus the blurriness of the camera makes it difficult to determine the state of the flaps and slats. The lack of engine noises and the RAT being out would definitely point to dual engine loss. It's not impossible, but that would be such a remote possibility. The news also report a signal loss at 625ft, if there was a power issue the transponder would fail as well.

People don't seem to suspect a bird strike either.

Hopefully they find the CVR and FDR soon.

 

[timewerx]

That's true, plus the blurriness of the camera makes it difficult to determine the state of the flaps and slats. The lack of engine noises and the RAT being out would definitely point to dual engine loss.

In the 1st video below, you can hear engine noise (1:30 minute mark).

2nd video shows plane yawing significantly to the right a few seconds from lift off which can suggest right engine failure or wind shear

 

[adrianmonk]

In the 1st video below, you can hear engine noise (1:30 minute mark).

2nd video shows plane yawing significantly to the right a few seconds from lift off which can suggest right engine failure or wind shear

My post about the lack of engine noises and RAT was referring to what @iluvatar5150 has posted. At this point best to wait for the FDR and CVR analysis.

 

[durangodawood]

"Why me?"

Probably is no why. Just a how.

 

[RocksInMyHead]

"Why me?"

Doubly heartbreaking as his brother was apparently in the seat next to him.

 

[Bob Crowley]

By pure coincidence I was talking today to someone who lost a relative in the Air India tragedy.

 

[wing2000]

Probably is no why. Just a how.

...I was refering to "survivor syndrome", aka survivor guilt.

 

[adrianmonk]

By pure coincidence I was talking today to someone who lost a relative in the Air India tragedy.

My deepest condolences to your friend.

 

[LizaMarie]

So terrible prayers for the families of the deceased and all involved.