Former Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha (Retired), has attributed the devastating crash of the Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner near Ahmedabad on June 12 to a probable engine power failure during a critical phase of flight. The tragedy, which killed 241 of the 242 people on board and several on the ground, is being termed one of the deadliest aviation disasters in Indian history.
Speaking at an event hosted by the Indian Chamber of Commerce on Saturday, Raha explained that a loss of engine power during take-off leaves little time for any corrective action. “Definitely there was loss of power and at a critical stage… you are transmitting from the ground into the air, your height is little. There is no time for recovery. And loss of engine power will result in a stall… (The aircraft) will then descend very rapidly and crash. And that is what has happened,” he said.
While describing the crash as “extremely sad and heart-breaking,” Raha also suggested alternative possibilities, including software malfunctions, control system issues, and fuel contamination. However, he firmly dismissed the sabotage theory, which had been raised by some commentators in the wake of the incident. “There might be a software issue, some problem in the control (system), fuel contamination… But I do not give any credence to the sabotage angle,” he said, adding that people should avoid speculation until the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and other investigating agencies release their findings.
On a broader note, Raha also used the occasion to highlight the strategic need for developing defence industrial capacity in India’s eastern and northeastern regions. He advocated the creation of a dedicated defence manufacturing corridor in eastern India, particularly involving states like West Bengal. “Such a corridor would empower local MSMEs, drive employment, spur technological progress, and strengthen national self-reliance,” he noted, urging state governments to take initiative and lobby the Centre for support.
