An unusually long takeoff roll has emerged as a key concern in the investigation of the Air India flight, which crashed shortly after taking off in Ahmedabad, killing at least 270 people. The Dreamliner used the entire airport's 3.5-kilometer runway far more than the typical 2.5-3km required for such aircraft, TOI reports.
No advance warnings have been issued before takeoff. “There were no requests for runway changes, thrust changes, or flap adjustments. The weather conditions were stable, visibility was clear and temperatures were high, but remained within operational limits,” an airport source told TOI, suggesting that flights would proceed under normal parameters after the fatal incident escaped.
Just 17 seconds after the flight, the aircraft began to descend. Seconds later, the cold final transmission that petting air traffic control “Not achieved…falls…mayday!mayday!mayday!” It was the last desperate call from the cockpit before the plane leapt into the BJMC hostel and erupted into flames. Ahmedabad police confirmed the call of distress after reviewing the ATC records.
Unusual takeoff roll raises alarm
Aviation staff and experts are currently investigating in detail why aircraft require the full runway length. A preliminary evaluation suggests that insufficient engine thrust can slow the lift-off. Media reports say the experts cited by the Times of India also increased the possibility of flap configuration issues, but there were no official changes to runway operations, engine settings, or flap adjustments.
What the research has discovered so far
Airport CCTV footage checks for extended takeoff rolls. No visual abnormalities, engine failure indicators, or abnormal pitch movements were observed by ground staff or ATCs. All pre-flight communications and protocols reportedly were followed.
No fires or explosions were seen before the crash, and fires in flight were excluded immediately after takeoff. The aircraft's descent took place quickly and ended in a catastrophic conflict, with investigators and aviation authorities taking the answer.
Important Theory Beneath the Probe
While official findings await, investigators are investigating three main survey lines.
Engine thrust problem: It may not be possible to generate proper thrust during takeoff.
Flap malfunction: Improper deployment of the wing flap can affect lift-off dynamics.
Security violations or sabotage: The involvement of anti-terrorist teams suggests that external interference and foul plays are not ruled out.
A source close to the probe told Reuters that all scenarios, including mechanical obstacles, pilot errors and sabotage, remain under active consideration. The investigation is currently dependent on data from aircraft black boxes. This can provide important insight into the final moments before a crash.
