The tragic crash of Air India flight AI171 (Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner) in Ahmedabad on 12 June 2025 has raised several serious concerns in the aviation world. From the rare simultaneous failure of both engines—an event considered to occur once in a billion flight hours—to possible technical faults and even cyberattack theories, this incident has sparked widespread debate.
Passenger Akash Vats’ claims, warnings from cybersecurity experts, and a viral tweet allegedly from a former CIA officer have only deepened the mystery. Whether or not these claims are directly linked to the crash, such a major disaster certainly demands thorough discussion. These issues cannot be simply dismissed, as each has some basis worth examining.
1. Simultaneous Failure of Both Engines
Aviation experts agree that both engines failing at the same time is extremely rare—estimated to happen once in a billion flight hours. So, how and why did it happen? This question must be seriously examined to prevent such incidents in the future.
The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner uses GE GEnx engines, which are considered reliable. Reports suggest that dual engine failure in these is a one-in-a-million chance. Some news outlets (e.g., News18) and experts pointed to a possible bird strike, as Ahmedabad has a history of such incidents. However, a bird strike affecting both engines simultaneously is considered highly unlikely.
Typically, one engine is impacted, while the other can keep the aircraft flying—as seen in the 2009 “Miracle on the Hudson” (US Airways Flight 1549). Some media reports also mentioned Ahmedabad’s high temperature (around 43°C or 100°F) possibly affecting engine performance—especially with a full tank of around 58,000 litres.
Also Read: Air India Plane Crash: Boeing 787 Dreamliner Price and Past Controversies
2. Questions Raised by Akash Vats
Passenger Akash Vats highlighted several technical issues he observed during a previous flight on the same aircraft from Delhi to Ahmedabad. He noted that the air conditioning system malfunctioned, with temperatures fluctuating abnormally—indicating possible faults in the aircraft’s cooling or related systems.
He also claimed the infotainment system (TV screens) and crew call bells were not working, suggesting poor technical maintenance. Can such minor issues point to a deeper maintenance failure? Can we ignore these signs? A computer requires a stable temperature to function properly—doesn’t an aircraft’s computer systems need that too?
Vats also posted on X (formerly Twitter) that he noticed unusual movements in the flaps during the flight. This raises concerns—could flap issues during takeoff have caused the crash? Experts state that improper flap settings can reduce lift and lead to such incidents.
3. Cyberattack — Was the Plane Hacked?
Cybersecurity researcher Ruben Santamarta presented findings in 2019 at DEF CON suggesting possible vulnerabilities in the Boeing 787’s in-flight entertainment (IFE) and other non-critical systems. He noted that hackers might be able to access systems like lighting or seat controls, but not flight controls, which are air-gapped and highly secured.
According to experts, hacking non-critical systems like IFE or Wi-Fi is technically possible, but reaching the flight control system is extremely difficult. In 2015, hacker Chris Roberts claimed to have accessed aircraft engine controls—but this claim remained unverified and controversial.
Cyberattacks in aviation typically target ground systems like bookings or check-ins. For example, SpiceJet suffered a ransomware attack in 2022, and Japan Airlines was hit in 2024—but neither impacted in-flight operations. Still, the topic deserves attention, especially as technology evolves daily—and given that nations like India are often targets of geopolitical conspiracies.
Also Read: Air India Flight Crash, 265 People Declared Dead — Major Updates on Ahmedabad Plane Crash
4. Tweet by Alleged Former CIA Officer Sarah Adams
A tweet from a person claiming to be ex-CIA officer Sarah Adams went viral. Posted on 9 June 2025, it warned of a major ISI-planned attack on India within 2–3 days, allegedly from Afghanistan.
Adams is said to be a former CIA analyst mentioned by journalists like Josh Rogin (Washington Post) and known for her work on Afghanistan and terrorism. She authored books like Benghazi: Know Thy Enemy, but her statements are often considered sensational and unverified. The original tweet cannot be found now—it may have been deleted, or the screenshot circulating might be fake. However, her official X handle (@TPASarah) is active.
5. Experienced Pilots and the MAYDAY Call
Captain Sumeet Sabharwal had 8,200 flight hours, and First Officer Clive Kundar had 1,100 hours. Despite this, the MAYDAY call failed to prevent the crash. The aircraft began losing altitude just 30–33 seconds after takeoff. What happened so quickly that even experienced pilots could not regain control?
In conclusion, while not all these theories may hold up under investigation, every angle must be explored. These aren’t baseless claims—they raise legitimate questions that deserve honest, transparent answers.