Posted on 06/15/2025 3:39:57 PM PDT by TexasKamaAina
In this update to our original video on Air India Flight 171, Captain Steeeve revisits his initial theory—and sets the record straight.
Previously, Steeeve leaned heavily into the possibility that the pilot may have accidentally retracted the flaps instead of the landing gear during the takeoff roll, resulting in a critical loss of lift. But new, higher-quality footage tells a different story.
In this video, we clearly see the Ram Air Turbine (RAT) deployed—something that only happens in the event of significant power loss. This changes everything. Steeeve breaks down what the RAT deployment means, walks through the new evidence frame by frame, and explores the very real possibility that this was a dual engine failure scenario.
It’s important to get these stories right. Aviation is a world of learning—and when new information comes to light, good pilots update their understanding.
If you watched the original video, don’t miss this one.
“ it was an unwanted job to have to deploy and test them”
Why was that?
Here is a simpler RAT on a competing A320. You’ll be able to see why nobody wants to do this job:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8hG4NavVFyg
A level nose doesn’t generate nearly as much lift as higher angle of attack. Pitching up means more lift (to a certain point), but also more drag (slows you down). Max glide range will vary based on several factors, but a higher angle of attack to maximize L/D ratio would give the most time to try to fix a loss of power issue. Couple seconds, but that might be enough if you can restart a failed engine
The flight path in yellow under the solid white line is drawn from ADS-B transponder data - the loss of power appears to have killed the ADS-B transponder hence why that solid data ends and the dashed line continues from there and extrapolates the flight path to the crash point.
In other words, the yellow slope is the actual data transmitted by the plane before the ADS-B system went offline for as-yet unconfirmed reasons and received by ground/orbital systems.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Automatic_Dependent_Surveillance%E2%80%93Broadcast
ADS-B is what a lot of these flight tracking sites use.
AMD is notoriously dusty, see video on youtube of daytime departure of other heavies at AMD. There are hundred of narrowbody takeoffs sweeping the runway down the centreline but few widebodies. So when dry, you will see dust on almost all take offs.
I live in AMD and this was an enourmous shock to us all. I also believe the pilot tried to put down in an empty ground because just ahead of him is a huge Govt Hospital. That is why he veered left, imho.
https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/new-updates/wanted-to-show-my-friends-how-planes-fly-the-story-of-a-boy-whose-video-of-the-air-india-crash-went-viral-worldwide/articleshow/121852096.cms?from=mdr
The video is important for investigators and especially so if there is damage to the black boxes..
It’s not that there wasn’t gas in it. Apparently there are impurities that can creep in if the guys refueling are not diligent. And that sort of thing can cause both engines to flame out at the same time.
I’m no expert. It was something that was mentioned as a possible cause by the experts. Even the ones that were strongly suggesting originally that they accidentally raised the flaps instead of the landing gear.
BTW, I’m no fan of boieng. Actually, I used to be. But Boeing is gone. What we have is McDonnel Douglas with a new purchased name: Boeing. They are not an engineering company like Boeing. They are a for profit company first and foremost. So if this turns out to be a flaw in the plane, it’s not skin off my nose.
I just think it’s highly unlikely.
Thanks.
Lots of new information and speculation out there but still no word from authorities, not that I would expect one so soon. What’s telling to me is no FAA emergency order for 787 inspections.
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