A Timeline of Events Leading Up to the Air India AI171 Catastrophe

The tragic moments before the Air India AI171 crash have left many questions unanswered. Here's a chilling breakdown of the critical timeline:

7:55 AM GMT: The Takeoff Begins

At 7:55:15 AM, the aircraft requested clearance to taxi from air traffic control, receiving immediate approval. Just a minute later, it began its journey from the bay to Runway 23, preparing for what was supposed to be a routine takeoff.

8:08 AM: Takeoff Clearance and Initial Climb

By 8:07:33 AM, the aircraft had been issued takeoff clearance, with the wheels officially rolling just seconds later. At 8:08:39 AM, the aircraft lifted off the ground, its air/ground sensors confirming a successful transition to airborne mode.

8:08 AM: A Sudden Fuel Catastrophe

However, just moments after liftoff, the situation took a dire turn. At 8:08:42 AM, as the aircraft reached a max airspeed of 180 knots, both engines' fuel cutoff switches abruptly transitioned from 'RUN' to 'CUTOFF' with a mere one-second delay between them. This alarming shift resulted in an immediate drop in engine performance.

8:08 AM: Chaotic Communications

Cockpit recordings revealed panic as one pilot questioned the other about the unexpected cutoff, only to be met with denial. The confusion intensified as CCTV footage showed the deployment of the Ram Air Turbine (RAT) during the critical initial climb, just before the aircraft began to lose altitude.

8:08 AM: The Fight for Control

By 8:08:47 AM, both engines dipped below minimum idle speed. Emergency systems kicked in, with the RAT hydraulic pump supplying vital power. Moments later, the fuel cutoff switches were hastily switched back to 'RUN', triggering a complex relight and thrust recovery process that saw Engine 1 start to recover, while Engine 2 struggled to maintain its speed.

8:09 AM: Call for Help

At 8:09:05 AM, desperation echoed through the cockpit as one of the pilots declared a "MAYDAY MAYDAY MAYDAY". Just seconds later, the critical data recording ceased, leaving investigators grappling with the mysteries of what truly occurred.

The final moments showcase a perplexing intertwining of human error and technical failure, leading to increased scrutiny of both pilot actions and aircraft systems. As the investigation unfolds, the aviation world holds its breath, awaiting answers to what went wrong during this ill-fated flight.