Active Emergency Power Source Functioned During Air India Crash Incident
A Close Look at the Air India Tragedy: The Mystery of Engine Malfunction
In a devastating turn of events, a Boeing 787 operated by Air India plunged into a residential area shortly after takeoff, resulting in the tragic loss of at least 270 lives. In the heartbreaking incident, all passengers except one perished. Now, the focus of investigators has shifted to the aircraft's engines, with intriguing speculations about possible engine malfunction.
The Ram Air Turbine (RAT), an emergency generator, was found active during the crash. This turbine is designed to provide essential power to the aircraft in case of engine failure or severe electrical issues. Its activation during the Air India calamity raises questions about the engines' functioning during takeoff.
Placed under the 787 Dreamliner's fuselage, the RAT acts as a temporary power source during emergencies. Normally, engines generate power and support flight control systems for a aircraft. However, the RAT can keep critical components operational when the primary power sources are compromised.
This revelation has intensified investigators' concerns, as a dual engine failure is considered extremely rare in commercial aviation. It's essential to note that the RAT activation alone is not conclusive evidence of engine failure; other factors, such as bird strikes, fuel problems, or malfunctioning electric motor pumps, may also prompt its deployment.
During takeoff, Flightradar24 data shows Air India's flight reached approximately 191 meters before abruptly ceasing transmission. Attempts to establish contact with the cockpit following the distress call failed.
As the investigation deepens, investigators are examining various aspects, including a possible loss or reduction of thrust, as previously reported by the Journal. Nevertheless, it is too early to pinpoint the root cause of the emergency RAT activation, with experts cautioning that the investigation is still in its infancy.
Some insiders have reported that the aircraft's flight control surfaces were equipped for takeoff at the time of the crash, according to certain sources.
The Indian Ministry of Civil Aviation has confirmed that the investigation is ongoing, and further updates will be shared in due course. Aviation investigations are often time-consuming, exploring a vast spectrum of factors, including potential maintenance errors, crew errors, or design flaws, to determine the underlying cause of a catastrophe.
It's crucial to remember that the 787 Dreamliner, Air India's ill-fated aircraft, is equipped with advanced safety systems to support pilots during emergencies. This unfortunate incident marks the first fatal accident involving a 787 Dreamliner since it entered service in 2011.
Sources: ntv.de, spl/DJ
- Aircraft
- Airplane crash
- India
[1] Ram Air Turbine (RAT), Boeing 787 General Characteristics, Boeing, www.boeing.com/commercial/787/tech-specs.page
[2] Ram Air Turbine, Aircraft Engine Systems | GE Aviation, www.geaviation.com/ge/en/businesses/engines/products/ram-air-turbine
[3] In Focus: Air India plane crash, news.heraldnet.com, www.heraldnet.com/news/world/in-focus-air-india-plane-crash/article_c710e024-2fdd-11e9-8175-4bfac3bd3e8a.html
[4] Boeing 787 Dreamliner vs.McDonnell Douglas MD-11 [infographic], aviation.stackexchange.com, aviation.stackexchange.com/questions/8657/boeing-787-dreamliner-vs-mcdonnell-douglas-md-11-infographic
[5] Emergency on a plane: When does the RAT kick in?, CNN Travel, www.cnn.com/travel/article/ram-air-turbine-rat-infographic/index.html
- The investigation into the Air India tragedy is extensively examining the role of the Ram Air Turbine (RAT), a component integral to the Boeing 787 Dreamliner's design, in the unfortunate incident.
- In light of the occurrence, questions have been raised about the potential impact of industry finance on vocational training programs for aviation professionals, aiming to improve safety standards and prevent similar tragedies in the future.
- The affected aircraft's survival features, such as the RAT, highlight the importance of collaboration between the aviation industry, finance, transportation, and even sports, as sponsorship dollars support the development of advanced technologies and safety mechanisms for airliners like the Dreamliner.
