Summary of "BLACK BOX DECODED? finally solved the mystery of Air India Flight 171"

The video investigates the cause behind the crash of Air India Flight 171 by decoding its Black Box (flight data recorder). Found intact near the crash site, the Black Box revealed critical data showing the aircraft was climbing normally until a sudden, unexpected event occurred 15 seconds after takeoff: the captain’s seat slid sharply backward due to a broken locking pin. This caused the captain to instinctively pull both engine thrust levers back to stabilize himself, inadvertently shutting down both engines at about 65 meters altitude, leading to a fatal crash.

Key findings and points include:

Black Box Discovery and Analysis: The Black Box was found shortly after the crash and analyzed under government and international supervision. Data showed normal flight parameters until the captain’s seat slid backward, triggering the chain of events leading to engine shutdown.
Mechanical Failure of Pilot Seat: The locking pin of the captain’s seat guide rail was broken, a defect previously repaired just 11 days before the crash without proper post-repair testing. This mechanical failure allowed the seat to move freely during a critical phase of flight.
Pilot Reflex and Aircraft Design Flaws: The captain’s unconscious reaction to grasp the thrust levers caused both engines to shut down. Boeing 787’s thrust levers lack a physical safety lock to prevent accidental engine shutdown from such reflexive movements. Industry experts have criticized this design flaw, emphasizing that the fault lies more with the design than the pilot.
Similar Incidents and Broader Safety Concerns: The video references a similar sliding seat incident with LATAM Airlines in 2024 and recalls past aviation disasters caused by minor technical or sensor errors (e.g., Boeing 737 Max crashes, Air France 447, Turkish Airlines 1951). These highlight systemic issues in aviation safety culture and design oversight.
Controversies and Alternative Theories: Some experts speculate sabotage or bird strikes as possible causes, but these are largely discounted by pilot experts and investigators due to the rarity or implausibility of such scenarios affecting both engines simultaneously.
Boeing’s Corporate Responsibility: Internal Boeing documents reportedly warned about the seat locking pin’s vulnerability, but these warnings were allegedly ignored or not escalated to senior management. Former Boeing employees and aviation engineers criticize Boeing’s risk management culture, accusing the company of prioritizing cost and deadlines over safety. Boeing has not publicly addressed the seat design flaw or committed to design reviews, fueling public outrage.
Legal and Financial Implications: The crash destroyed a high-value Boeing 787 Dreamliner, with estimated insured damages around $80 million and potential compensation claims exceeding $100 million. Air India’s parent company, Tata Group, has offered initial assistance to victims’ families, but legal experts warn that both Air India and Boeing could face unlimited liability if found negligent. Victims are advised to pursue legal action rather than accept early settlements.
Industry-Wide Warning: The tragedy underscores how small technical oversights, such as a faulty seat locking pin, combined with design flaws and human reflexes, can lead to catastrophic outcomes. It highlights the fragile interplay between human factors and technology in aviation safety.

Presenters/Contributors:

Civil Aviation Minister Rahm Moan Naidu (quoted)
Mr. Jadav, former technical adviser to a major Indian airline (expert opinion)
Former Boeing employees and anonymous aviation engineers (cited via forums and internal sources)
Former FAA supervisor (quoted on design faults)
Legal experts (commenting on liability and compensation)

The video ultimately portrays the Air India Flight 171 crash as a preventable disaster caused by a combination of mechanical failure, design negligence, and corporate irresponsibility, with Boeing’s silence and inaction intensifying public frustration.