The crash of an Air India plane near Ahmedabad airport caused the death of many people, with only one passenger surviving. The investigation revealed that a malfunction in the pilot seat locking mechanism caused the throttle levers to unintentionally move to the idle position, reducing engine power and causing the crash. The black box recorded dramatic sequences in the final seconds of the flight. Besides the technical failure, factors such as high air temperature and inadequate crew procedures contributed to the inability to regain control. Captain Sumet Sabharval was praised as a hero for steering the plane towards an empty area, avoiding residential buildings, although the plane crashed into a medical hostel where there were casualties. Air India grounded 12 planes with similar issues, and Boeing plans to redesign the seat mechanism. Families of the victims are awaiting identification of bodies, which is complicated due to their condition. The investigation is ongoing, with a final report expected in July.
Political Perspectives:
Left: Left-leaning reports emphasize the human tragedy and the heroism of the pilot who tried to minimize casualties by steering the plane away from residential areas. They highlight the failures in safety protocols and call for stronger regulations and accountability from Boeing and Air India. The focus is on the impact on families and the need for systemic changes in aviation safety.
Center: Center-leaning articles provide a balanced view focusing on the technical causes of the crash, including the mechanical failure of the pilot seat locking mechanism and environmental factors like high temperature. They report on the ongoing investigation, the response of Air India and Boeing, and the efforts to identify victims. The narrative is factual and emphasizes the importance of thorough investigation and safety improvements.
Right: Right-leaning coverage tends to highlight the heroism of the pilot and the bravery of the crew, while also pointing to possible operational or maintenance shortcomings. There is some focus on the responsibility of Air India and Boeing, but with a tone that supports the aviation industry’s efforts to address the issues. The narrative may also include calls for improved technology and innovation to prevent future accidents.