Co-Pilot Error Suspected in Air India AI171 Boeing 787 Crash
A fatal co-pilot error may have caused the Air India Flight AI171 crash that killed 241 people onboard and dozens on the ground, according to aviation expert Captain Steve Scheibner. The London Gatwick-bound Boeing 787 Dreamliner crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad, Gujarat, on June 12, 2025.
Scheibner, a former American Airlines pilot, suggests the co-pilot mistakenly pulled the flap lever instead of retracting the landing gear. This critical error could have disrupted lift, preventing the aircraft from gaining altitude. Video footage appears to support this theory, showing limited wing flex and the landing gear remaining extended. However, experts note the footage’s low resolution makes definitive analysis difficult.
Investigators in India have begun decoding the flight data recorder and are interviewing pilots who previously flew the aircraft. The inquiry is focusing on engine thrust, flap positioning, landing gear status, and potential maintenance issues. Air India’s Boeing 787 fleet is undergoing safety inspections ordered by India’s aviation regulator.
Other theories include mechanical failure or terrorism, though no evidence currently supports the latter. An anti-terrorism team is assisting, which is standard procedure. A joint team from the UK Air Accidents Investigation Branch, the U.S., and India are also involved.
Boeing has denied prior safety concerns, stating the Dreamliner passed over 150,000 safety tests. The aircraft, delivered in 2014, had completed 700 flights in the year prior to the crash.
Immediately following the crash, Boeing issued a statement. “We are in contact with Air India regarding Flight 171 and stand ready to support them. Our thoughts are with the passengers, crew, first responders and all affected,” the airplane manufacturer said.
Air India will retire flight number AI171, replacing it with AI159 as the investigation continues.
The aviation minister in India said there were 34 Boeing 787’s in the country, eight of which had already undergone the new inspections. He said the rest would be inspected “with immediate urgency.”
As India makes a thorough sweep of its fleet, the United States has already made a decision on Boeing 787s in use around the country. Officials from the U.S. determined they have not seen any immediate safety data that would require halting Boeing 787 flights following the accident, according to Reuters.
Related News: https://airguide.info/?s=air+india, https://airguide.info/category/air-travel-business/travel-health-security/safety/
Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, msn.com, reuters.com