Tragedy struck shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad as Air India Flight 171 crashed, claiming the lives of 118 passengers and crew members. The sole survivor’s harrowing account, coupled with newly surfaced video evidence, is shedding light on the catastrophic events that unfolded in mere moments.

The Boeing Dreamliner 787-8, carrying 242 people, had just ascended to 625 feet when disaster struck. Eyewitnesses report a deafening bang within 30 seconds of takeoff, coinciding with the activation of the Ram Air Turbine (RAT), a critical emergency device designed to provide power during catastrophic failures. This alarming development suggests a possible dual engine failure, a scenario that, while rare, indicates a dire emergency onboard.

Investigators are now focusing on the implications of the RAT’s deployment, which may have occurred just as the aircraft’s primary systems failed. The video captures the unmistakable sound of the turbine, raising questions about what led to this unprecedented failure. The plane was fully loaded with fuel, and the pilots—experienced with over 9,000 flight hours combined—issued a Mayday call just moments before the crash, but received no response.

As authorities recover the black boxes from the wreckage, critical data will soon reveal the final moments of Flight 171. Preliminary analysis points to potential fuel contamination or a catastrophic engine defect as possible culprits behind the dual failure. With 119 victims confirmed, the urgency for answers is palpable. The aviation community and grieving families alike await further details, as this tragic event underscores the inherent risks of air travel and the need for stringent safety measures.