What triggered the Air India plane crash? Experts weigh possibilities

Aviation experts are offering conflicting theories over the cause of Thursday's crash of an Air India Dreamliner shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad, with some pointing to a possible cockpit error and others suggesting a bird strike may have led to dual engine failure.

The Boeing 787-8 aircraft, bound for London Gatwick, crashed just minutes after taking off from Ahmedabad at 1:39pm local time (Indian Standard Time). The flight was carrying at least 242 people. It was scheduled to arrive in the UK at 6:25pm British Summer Time.

According to The Standard, a UK-based website, the crash has sparked intense scrutiny from aviation professionals, especially as this marks the first-ever crash involving a Boeing 787 -- an aircraft widely considered one of the safest in modern aviation.

Unusual descent raises cockpit error concerns

Though the exact cause of the crash remains unknown, early video footage of the incident has prompted speculation from multiple experts.

Veteran aviation analyst Geoffrey Thomas described the plane’s descent as highly unusual. “It simply sank -- it didn’t veer or roll -- suggesting a possible mechanical failure,” he told the BBC.

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Thomas observed that the landing gear appeared to remain deployed while the flaps had already been retracted, something he described as “not standard procedure so soon after takeoff.” He suggested investigators may need to probe a possible error in the cockpit.

Drawing a historical parallel, Thomas referenced the 1972 Staines air disaster, in which premature flap retraction was believed to have contributed to a crash that killed all 118 onboard. “This looks eerily similar in some respects,” he said.

More than 1,100 Dreamliners are currently in service across 80 operators worldwide, including major carriers such as British Airways and Virgin Atlantic.

“They’ve operated essentially flawlessly,” said Thomas. “Apart from early battery issues in 2011 -- which were addressed -- the 787 has had a perfect safety record.”

Engine failure linked to bird strike?

However, not all experts agree on the likely cause.

Former pilot Saurabh Bhatnagar told NDTV the incident appears to be the result of “multiple bird hits,” claiming that both engines may have lost power shortly after takeoff. “The aircraft began descending right after the gear was about to be retracted -- this usually indicates sudden power loss or a failure to generate lift,” he explained.

He added that the descent appeared “controlled,” reinforcing the idea of an engine-related issue rather than pilot error.

People gather as rescue team members work at the site where an Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner plane crashed in Ahmedabad, India, June 12, 2025. Reuters

Bird strikes -- especially multiple ones during takeoff -- are known to pose serious threats to aircraft. Large flocks entering both engines can cause dual engine failure, as seen in past accidents. Standard airport procedures to mitigate such risks include noise cannons and lights to deter birds from runways.

Investigation underway as safety concerns resurface

Dr Akhil Bhardwaj, a former aircraft engineer and current senior lecturer at the University of Bath, noted that while the Dreamliner enjoys an excellent reputation, it has not been entirely free of controversy.

“Whistleblower Sam Salehpour raised concerns about assembly flaws during a U.S. Senate hearing last year,” he said. “The Dreamliner had battery fire issues 12 years ago, and while it’s premature to speculate, the crash shows that safety in aviation is an ongoing process.”

Thomas Moore, science correspondent for Sky News, noted that investigators will be closely examining both black boxes -- if recovered -- which record technical data and cockpit conversations. “While the engines may have failed, possibly due to bird ingestion, the 787 is designed to fly even with one engine. So if both went down, there may have been a chain of failures,” he explained.

As authorities begin their investigation, the incident raises serious questions about what went wrong with one of the world’s most advanced and trusted aircraft types.

For now, experts remain divided -- underscoring the complexity of aviation accidents and the need for thorough, evidence-based inquiry.