The crash of Air India Flight AI171 was caused by a mechanical failure of the pilot’s seat, which during takeoff caused unintended movement of the thrust levers and a reduction in engine power. The co-pilot was unable to correct the situation because the pilot’s body position blocked the control levers, leading to the plane crashing into a building and killing 270 people. The investigation revealed that the seat locking mechanism was damaged and not functionally tested after repair, which could have prevented the accident. Additionally, high air temperature and lack of safety mechanisms on the Boeing 787 thrust levers contributed to the disaster. DNA tests identified 80 victims, including the former Gujarat premier. The plane crashed immediately after takeoff from Ahmedabad, with only one passenger surviving. This tragedy prompted urgent inspections of pilot seats on all Boeing 787 aircraft.
Political Perspectives:
Left: Left-leaning reports emphasize the systemic failures in aviation safety protocols and the negligence in maintenance and functional testing that led to the crash. They highlight the human cost of corporate and regulatory oversight failures and call for stronger safety regulations and accountability in the aviation industry.
Center: Centrist coverage focuses on the factual details of the crash, the mechanical failure of the pilot’s seat, and the sequence of events leading to the accident. It reports on the investigation findings, the number of casualties, and the ongoing safety inspections without strong political or emotional framing.
Right: Right-leaning narratives may emphasize the heroism of the crew, particularly the co-pilot’s efforts to regain control, and may focus on the technical aspects of the Boeing 787 design flaws. They might also discuss the implications for national aviation standards and the need for technological improvements, sometimes downplaying systemic regulatory failures.
