Fact check: What caused the Air India crash?

1. Summary of the results

The Air India crash occurred shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad airport on June 12, 2025, resulting in 241 fatalities with only one survivor ^[1]. The aircraft crashed into a medical hostel ^[2], and preliminary investigations point to several possible causes:

• The aircraft never fully retracted its landing gear and showed unusual flap positioning ^[1]
• A Mayday call was issued by the pilot citing "engine failure" ^{[3] [4]}
• The crash marks the first fatal incident involving a Boeing 787 Dreamliner since its introduction in 2011 ^[1]

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

Several competing theories about the crash's cause are being investigated:

• Mechanical Issues: Previous passengers reported technical malfunctions on the same aircraft before the fatal flight ^[3]
• Pilot Error: Experts suggest possible incorrect flap settings during takeoff ^[4]
• External Factors: A potential collision with an F-104G Starfighter is being investigated ^[4]

Aviation experts are cautioning against premature speculation about the cause ^[4].

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

Several important aspects need addressing:

• A viral video claiming to show the inside of the plane during the crash is FALSE - it actually shows footage from a January 2023 Yeti Airlines crash in Nepal ^[5]
• The initial question oversimplifies a complex situation where multiple factors could have contributed to the crash
• Different stakeholders may benefit from various narratives:
• Boeing's reputation is at stake as this is the first fatal Dreamliner crash
• Air India's maintenance practices are under scrutiny due to previous passenger complaints
• Aviation authorities may face pressure regarding oversight and safety protocols

It's crucial to wait for the official investigation results rather than jumping to conclusions based on preliminary information.