A report says a broken pilot seat caused the Air India crash that killed 270 people during takeoff.
The U.S. and Europe now urge airlines to check Boeing 787 seats to prevent future accidents.
A new report has found that a broken seat in the pilot’s cabin caused the recent Air India plane crash that killed 270 people.
The early investigation showed that during takeoff, the captain’s seat moved backward by accident. This caused the pilot’s hand to pull back the throttle, which reduced engine power when the plane was just leaving the ground.
With less engine power, the plane lost speed, stalled, and crashed into a nearby building where medical staff lived.
The report also said that the co-pilot tried to save the plane, but couldn’t reach the controls properly because the captain’s seat was leaning too far back.
Important moments recorded in the cockpit include:
- 12 seconds after takeoff: the seat slid back
- 15 seconds: the co-pilot shouted, “We’re losing thrust!”
- 26 seconds: the plane stalled at a height of 214 feet
Investigators said the Boeing 787 did not have some important safety systems in the throttle. These include features to stop unwanted movement and to keep the throttle from moving without enough weight on the seat.
Because of the crash, the U.S. and European aviation authorities (FAA and EASA) have told airlines to urgently check all pilot seats in Boeing 787 planes.
Air India has stopped flying 12 of its planes that had similar maintenance issues. Boeing also said it will redesign the pilot seats by 2026.
The crash killed everyone on board and people in the building it hit. Only one person survived a British citizen.
A final report is expected in July. Authorities have promised stronger checks and new global rules to make flying safer.
