Explosive new video footage of the Air India Boeing 787 crash has prompted an experienced pilot to claim the aircraft suffered a dual engine failure moments after take-off, resulting in the worst aviation disaster in over a decade.
At least 270 people died, including 241 passengers, when Flight AI171 from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick plunged into residential buildings shortly after departure on 12 June.
Captain: “This Is a Gamechanger”
Veteran commercial pilot Steve Schreiber, widely known as Captain Steve, said a high-definition video now circulating online shows critical evidence previously missed.
In a detailed analysis on his YouTube channel, Schreiber points to the visible deployment of the Ram Air Turbine (RAT) beneath the right wing of the Dreamliner — a failsafe device that activates only in severe emergencies.
“That little grey dot is the RAT,” Schreiber explains. “Its deployment is a smoking gun — it only comes out in three cases: total electrical failure, total hydraulic failure, or dual engine failure. Given the aircraft’s behaviour, we’re almost certainly looking at both engines failing.”
Black Boxes Recovered, UK Team Assisting
Investigators in India have confirmed recovery of both the cockpit voice recorder and the flight data recorder, with a team from the UK’s Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) now on-site.
The AAIB team includes experts in aircraft systems, engineering, and flight operations. The cause of the catastrophic failure remains under investigation.
Pilot Error Suspected, But New Video Shifts Theory
Initial theories focused on a possible pilot error, suggesting the co-pilot may have retracted the landing gear prematurely. However, Schreiber says the new HD footage contradicts that, showing the RAT deployed — a move the system would not make in a simple retraction mishap.
“It’s a gamechanger,” he said. “This footage puts serious weight behind the theory of a catastrophic systems failure.”
British Survivor: “I Watched People Die”
Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, a 40-year-old father from London, is believed to be the sole British survivor. He was seated in 11A, the only person in that row to survive.
“I still can’t believe how I survived,” he said from his hospital bed, where he remains under observation. “I saw people dying in front of my eyes.”
Families in Mourning, DNA Efforts Ongoing
Officials in India say hundreds of DNA samples are being processed to identify the victims. In London, a vigil in Harrow brought together mourners of multiple faiths at the Siddhashram Shakti Centre, where at least 20 victims had previously worshipped.
Two young girls were confirmed orphaned in the crash, bringing further emotional weight to the community gathering.
Aviation Safety Under Renewed Scrutiny
The crash of Flight AI171 has raised urgent questions about the airworthiness of the Boeing 787, ongoing maintenance practices, and crew response protocols in the event of engine failure.
India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and global aviation regulators are expected to issue interim findings within weeks.
