A malfunction in the captain’s seat locking mechanism was the primary cause of the Air India Boeing 787 crash that claimed 270 lives, according to a preliminary investigation report.
The report revealed that during takeoff, the captain’s seat unexpectedly slid backward, causing the pilot to accidentally pull the throttle levers to idle. This sudden reduction in engine power led to the aircraft stalling shortly after takeoff and crashing into a nearby building that housed medical workers.
The co-pilot was unable to regain control due to the captain’s reclined position blocking access.
Cockpit recordings indicated the following timeline:
+12 seconds: Captain’s seat slides back
+15 seconds:Co-pilot exclaims, “We’re losing thrust!”
+26 seconds: Aircraft stalls at 214 feet altitude
Investigators also found that the Boeing 787 lacked essential throttle safeguards, such as reverse-thrust motion protection and weight-sensitive lockout systems.
As a result, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) have ordered immediate inspections of all 787 pilot seats.
Air India has grounded 12 aircraft with similar maintenance histories, while Boeing has committed to redesigning the seat mechanism by 2026.
The crash claimed the lives of passengers, crew members, and people on the ground. A British national was the only survivor.
A final report is expected in July, with aviation authorities pledging stricter safety checks and sweeping reforms to enhance global flight safety.
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