On June 9th, Air India flight AI171 crashed during takeoff in India. In this episode, Captain Steeeve dives into what we know so far and what may have gone terribly wrong in the cockpit.
While some are pointing to engine failure or loss of power, Captain Steeeve takes a different view: this looks like a loss of lift, not power. Why? Because according to initial footage and reports, the flaps were up a configuration that drastically reduces lift during takeoff.
That leads to a sobering possibility: Did the pilot accidentally retract the flaps instead of the landing gear? It wouldn’t be the first time a critical cockpit input was mismanaged under pressure or confusion.
In this analysis, Captain Steeeve explains:
- Why flaps are crucial for generating lift during takeoff
- The difference between power loss and lift loss
- The potential for pilot input error and how it can happen
- What investigators will likely be looking for next
This is a somber event with real lessons for every pilot and passenger.