In a jaw-dropping twist to one of this year’s most devastating aviation disasters, investigators have confirmed that both engines of the ill-fated Air India Flight 702 failed before the aircraft’s wing detached midair, triggering the horrifying crash that killed all 139 passengers and crew onboard.
The revelation comes just days after the black box was recovered and analyzed, sending shockwaves through the aviation world — and now raising urgent questions about accountability, negligence, and possible cover-ups.
“We’re no longer talking about just a tragic accident,” said one aviation safety official.
“This points to a catastrophic systems failure — or something far worse.”
⚠️ A Technical Chain Reaction
Preliminary reports from the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) indicate that both engines began losing thrust minutes after takeoff from Delhi. The aircraft, a Boeing 777, was reportedly climbing through 13,000 feet when engine sensors first detected anomalies.
Within 45 seconds, engine 1 failed completely. Then engine 2 followed.
Worse still — just moments before pilots attempted to declare an emergency, the aircraft’s right wing suddenly detached, sending the jet into a deadly spin.
“A wing doesn't just come off,” said veteran pilot Craig Holland.
“It either points to extreme stress — or a critical maintenance lapse.”
🔍 Was It Preventable?
Documents leaked from internal maintenance logs show the aircraft had undergone routine service just 11 days prior, but insiders now claim that several mechanical warnings were marked “low priority” and deferred.
That detail has enraged families of the victims — and sparked debate over whether cost-cutting, negligence, or overlooked red flags played a role in the disaster.
“You can’t call this a random accident when warnings were ignored,” said Priya Desai, who lost her brother in the crash.
“Someone signed off on that aircraft. Someone must be held accountable.”
🧑⚖️ Who Will Be Held Responsible?
The Indian Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched a criminal investigation, and sources close to the case suggest that multiple Air India personnel — including maintenance supervisors and engineering leads — are now under internal review.
Boeing has also been asked to provide full access to structural data and stress testing records of its 777 series. While Boeing has not issued an official comment, it stated it is “fully cooperating with international aviation safety authorities.”
💔 A Nation in Mourning — and Demanding Answers
Across India and beyond, grief has turned to outrage. Thousands gathered outside Air India headquarters in Mumbai this morning, holding photos of loved ones and placards reading:
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“139 lives. One reason: Negligence.”
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“Engines don’t lie. People do.”
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“We need justice, not condolences.”
🕯️ What Comes Next?
The full crash report may take months to finalize, but this latest evidence ensures the fallout won’t just be technical — it will be legal and political.
With public confidence in India’s national carrier shaken, and aviation oversight now under a harsh spotlight, this tragedy has become a national reckoning.
As the world watches and grieving families wait, one question echoes across headlines and hearts alike:
“Who let this plane take off — and who will answer for it?”