The recent crash of India 171 has sparked widespread debate and speculation, both online and among aviation experts. While official investigations are still underway, a number of theories have emerged on social media, with some international pilots suggesting that the Indian pilots may have mistakenly retracted the flaps instead of the landing gear, leading to a catastrophic loss of lift.

The Flap vs. Gear Debate

According to these theories, cockpit footage and crash evidence indicate that the landing gear was still down when the plane crashed, which is unusual as pilots typically retract the gear at around 100 feet after takeoff. The suggestion is that the pilots may have retracted the flaps prematurely, causing a sudden loss of lift and ultimately the crash. However, this theory has been met with skepticism by several Indian pilots and aviation analysts.

One experienced pilot, speaking in a video that has since gone viral, questioned the validity of blaming the pilots so quickly. He argues that it is often easier for airlines and aircraft manufacturers to attribute crashes to pilot error, as this makes insurance claims more straightforward and shields large companies from liability.

Technical Analysis and Doubts

The pilot goes on to debunk the flap-retraction theory on several grounds:

1. Cockpit Layout:
The flap and landing gear levers are not located next to each other in the cockpit, making it highly unlikely that a pilot would confuse the two, especially on a Boeing 787. The flap handle is positioned differently and requires a deliberate reach.

2. Time Factor:
Retracting flaps is not instantaneous; it takes about 18 seconds for the flaps to move from position 1 (or 5 degrees) to zero. During this time, the captain or another crew member would likely notice and correct the mistake before it became critical.

3. Aircraft Protections:
Modern aircraft like the Boeing 787 and Airbus models have built-in protections to prevent loss of lift due to flap mismanagement. For example, the “Slat Auto-Gap” function automatically extends the slats if the angle of attack is high and speed is below 225 knots, even if the flap lever is set to zero. This system is designed to prevent exactly the kind of accident being theorized.

4. Crash Evidence:
Photographs from the crash site show that some slats and flaps were still deployed, further casting doubt on the theory that a complete retraction caused the loss of lift.

5. Aircraft Performance
Even if the flaps were fully retracted and both engines were functioning properly, the aircraft would still be able to climb, albeit at a reduced rate. The loss of lift would not be so sudden or severe as to cause an immediate crash.

A Call for Caution and Patience

The pilot concludes that while it is tempting to speculate, only the official investigation can determine the true cause of the crash. He emphasizes that blaming the pilots without concrete evidence is not only unfair but also overlooks the sophisticated safety systems built into modern aircraft. He promises to release a more detailed analysis soon but urges viewers to be patient and await the findings of the investigative agencies.

For now, the cause of the India 171 crash remains uncertain. What is clear, however, is that the debate highlights the complexities of modern aviation and the need for thorough, unbiased investigations before drawing conclusions.