Engine Failure or....? Former Civil Aviation Minister Opens Up On Ahmedabad Plane Crash, Here's What You Need to Know

After the tragic Ahmedabad plane crash, the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau's (AAIB) initial report has raised serious concerns and conversations in both aviation and political circles. Former Civil Aviation Minister and commercial pilot Rajiv Pratap Rudy has now weighed in on the incident and asked hard questions about the events surrounding the crash. 

#WATCH | Delhi: As Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) releases its preliminary report on the Air India plane crash, Commercial Pilot & BJP Leader Rajiv Pratap Rudy says, "It's a preliminary report. In the first stage report, the government is coming out with the facts… pic.twitter.com/cgcDTpNLt7

— ANI (@ANI) July 13, 2025

Preliminary Findings Suggest Critical Failings 

The AAIB's preliminary findings suggest that the Air India Express aircraft experienced a critical failure 32 seconds after takeoff. The aircraft was at rotation speed—the point at which the aircraft must lift off—but wasn't climbing. A potential engine failure is believed to be a key contributor to the crash. 

Rajiv Pratap Rudy's Concern In a statement to ANI, politician and experienced pilot Rajiv Pratap Rudy proposed that the aircraft in pursuit of takeoff achieved its takeoff speed, so the aircraft had not resolved to an issue with acceleration to the takeoff speed but did not lift off, which suggests engine failure, improper lift or a mechanical failure in the aircraft. Rudy stated that he preliminary report explains a sequence of factual events but does not address a multitude of technical questions.

“The report says the aircraft achieved rotation speed, which means it had enough power to take off. The question is — why didn’t it leave the ground?” Rudy asked.

What Was The Technical Issue? 

While some aviation experts speculate that a possible breakdown in thrust production could have played a role, others are not ruling out either human error or maintenance. The AAIB has not yet issued a full technical assessment, including investigating the flight data, engine performance, or pilot conversations. 

What happens now with the AAIB? 

The investigation will now transition into the detailed phase, where data from the black boxes, voice recorders, and engine diagnostics will be looked at in detail. The final report will take many months, but authorities have assured the public of openness at every stage. 

What about safety measures? The DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation) has started spot inspections of similar aircraft operating across Indian carriers, and civil aviation authorities are reviewing standard operating procedures in connection with takeoff safety.