Air India Crash: Ex-Air Force Chief Arup Raha Reports Engines Lost Power at Critical Stage

Former Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha (Retired), has suggested that an engine power failure likely led to the catastrophic crash of the Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner near Ahmedabad on June 12. The disaster, which claimed the lives of 241 out of 242 individuals on board along with several casualties on the ground, is being regarded as one of India’s deadliest aviation tragedies.

During an event organized by the Indian Chamber of Commerce on Saturday, Raha elaborated that engine power loss during take-off is particularly perilous due to the limited time available for corrective measures. He stated, “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.”

While describing the incident as “extremely sad and heart-breaking,” Raha also considered other potential causes such as software malfunctions, issues with the control system, and fuel contamination. He, however, dismissed the notion of sabotage, a theory that had surfaced following the crash. “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 commented, emphasizing that speculation should be avoided until the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and other investigative bodies publish their reports.

Raha also took the opportunity to underscore the strategic importance of boosting defense industrial capabilities in India’s eastern and northeastern areas. He proposed establishing a defense manufacturing corridor in eastern India, particularly in states such as West Bengal. “Such a corridor would empower local MSMEs, drive employment, spur technological progress, and strengthen national self-reliance,” he remarked, encouraging state authorities to initiate actions and seek support from the central government.