Data retrieved from the aircraft’s black box indicates that as the seat dislodged from its fixed position, the captain’s body was involuntarily pulled backward, dragging the engine thrust levers into neutral position. This sudden shift caused an immediate and severe loss of engine power at a moment when maximum thrust was required to stabilize the aircraft during ascent.
The first officer, realizing the emergency, attempted to push the levers forward and regain engine thrust, but was unable to access them due to the captain’s position, which obstructed the controls. His efforts proved futile, and within just 38 seconds of the initial malfunction, the aircraft slammed into the ground with devastating force.
At the crash site, investigators found broken safety bolts within the seat mechanism, confirming suspicions of inadequate maintenance following recent repairs. Another alarming detail uncovered in the report is that the Boeing 787’s throttle lever system lacks built-in mechanical safeguards against accidental retraction, a technical oversight that significantly contributed to the rapid escalation of the incident.
The tragedy has sparked widespread public outrage and raised serious concerns about aircraft maintenance standards in India, as well as design flaws in certain modern aircraft systems. Families of the victims and the wider public are demanding full transparency and accountability for the loss of so many innocent lives. The investigation is ongoing, focusing on both technical personnel and the airline operator involved.