Popular Pilot Reacts to Air India Flight 171 Crash: “It Could Be a Flap or Gear Lever Issue
Popular Pilot Reacts to Air India Flight 171 Crash: “It Could Be a Flap or Gear Lever Issue”
As global aviation communities come to terms with the devastating Air India Flight 171 crash, a respected pilot and social media aviation educator has spoken out in a now-viral video. His calm, expert reaction is giving many non-experts a better understanding of what might have gone wrong.
The incident — involving a Boeing 787 Dreamliner en route from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick — resulted in over 240 lives lost. Initial videos showed the aircraft struggling moments after takeoff before crashing with devastating impact. The cause remains under investigation, but insights from experienced pilots are helping shed early light.
Early Expert Reaction: A Mechanical Possibility
The aviation content creator, who has thousands of followers for his flight breakdowns and tutorials, released a Facebook video analyzing the AI171 accident in real time. He explained:
“Based on what I’m seeing and hearing from the preliminary reports, this could very well have been a flap or landing gear lever issue. Something that caused a failure to build enough lift during rotation.”
He emphasized that mechanical issues during takeoff are rare but not impossible. “If the flap setting was incorrect or failed to deploy, or if a gear lever was raised too early, it could compromise airflow and stall the aircraft shortly after leaving the ground,” he said.
π₯ Watch: Air India 171 Accident – My Reaction & Thoughts
What We Know So Far
The crash of Flight 171 is one of the deadliest aviation disasters in recent years and the first involving this model of Dreamliner under Indian operation. There has been only one known survivor — a man in seat 11A — whose escape has sparked international headlines.
Preliminary air traffic control recordings indicate that the pilot reported "engine instability" moments before disappearing from radar. However, official conclusions can only be made once black box data is recovered and analyzed.
The Importance of Flap and Gear Settings
During takeoff, pilots rely on automated systems and rigorous checklists to ensure flap deployment and gear position. These elements contribute to lift generation and aerodynamic balance. A misstep or malfunction at this stage can be catastrophic.
The influencer explained that while pilots are trained to respond to emergencies, some failures leave little time for correction — especially during the critical takeoff phase. “This is why pre-flight checks and aircraft maintenance are not just protocol — they’re life-saving procedures.”
Also read:
“This is Sad”: A Family’s Dream Ends in Tragedy
How the Public Is Reacting
- @PlaneTalks: I appreciate how this pilot broke things down without fear-mongering. We need more professionals doing this.
- @Aero_News: If this was a flap or gear mishandling error, it’ll have big implications for training.
- @MamaOfWings: I lost my cousin in that crash. This video helped me understand what possibly happened.
- @TechFlyer: Always amazed how one small system can make such a big difference in aviation. Respect to pilots.
Looking Ahead
Investigations by both the Indian Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and UK’s Civil Aviation Authority are ongoing. Experts hope that black box data — which records cockpit voice and flight data — will soon provide clearer answers.
Meanwhile, voices like the pilot in this video play an important role in aviation transparency and education. His measured approach and respectful tone toward victims’ families have earned him praise not just in aviation circles, but also among the general public.
Also read:
Watch: Air India Flight Crashes After Takeoff
Final Thoughts
Tragedies like this force us to reflect deeply — not just on mechanical and technical causes, but on the human cost. Every number in a report represents a real person, and every video breakdown must be viewed with compassion. Still, understanding these failures is vital if future lives are to be saved.
“This wasn’t just another plane crash,” the pilot said at the end of his video. “It’s a wake-up call. Aviation is safe, but never perfect. Let’s keep learning.”
π Posted on: June 12, 2025 | π·️ Labels: Air India Crash, Pilot Reaction, Aviation Insight, NSMedia
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