Aircraft vlogger challenges AI171 hypotheses: Not the flaps, landing gear, or... (shortened)

In the wake of the tragic crash of Air India flight 171 in Ahmedabad, aviation YouTube channel Wyngx has stepped up with a rare response video, debunking various theories swirling around the tragic event. Known for its engaging and in-depth coverage of aviation disasters, Wyngx boasts a global following, thanks to creator Vikram V, who goes by "Wings" in his videos.

With over a decade of experience, the channel's latest video addresses the widespread speculation about the crash, pointing out some theories' shortcomings and addressing others as misleading.

Landing Gear vs. Mayday

Contrary to popular belief, raising the landing gear isn't the top priority when declaring a mayday shortly after takeoff. As Wyngx expertly explains, conflating landing gear maintenance with the root cause of the crash is misleading and inaccurate.

The Flap Lever Conundrum

Another proliferating theory contends that the first officer may have retracted the flaps instead of the landing gear. However, Wyngx observations dismiss this notion outright. According to the narrator, such a mistake is highly improbable, given the completely different locations of the levers—especially for seasoned pilots.

Comparing the Air India incident to the Yeti Airlines 691 crash, wherein the propeller and flap levers were adjacent, Wyngx points out that this was not the case with the Boeing aircraft involved in this crash.

Aircraft Maintenance and Conditions

Addressing an Instagram post claiming the aircraft had a "logbook full of issues," Wyngx provides industry context. According to the narrator, while every aircraft has issues, the question is whether any of them were critical or unfixed against Boeing's mandatory minimum equipment list.

Irrelevant Theories

Claimed footage of broken inflight entertainment systems and faulty air conditioning was discarded as irrelevant by Wyngx. These systems, the video explains, do not affect an aircraft's core flight functionality.

Debunking Circumstantial Evidence

Wyngx also challenges the theories revolving around an absence of flaps during takeoff and bird strikes. In the former case, the narrator points out that such an oversight would trigger numerous cockpit warnings and be caught during pre-flight checks, thus making it highly unlikely for experienced pilots like those involved.

The grainy footage suggesting missing flaps remains uncertain, according to Wyngx. Pixelated videos are unable to definitively determine the flap position, and flap position can only be confirmed via wreckage analysis.

Regarding the bird strike theory, the video suggests that the absence of visual evidence such as sparks or smoke supports the theory's implausibility.

Urging Caution and Patience

Wyngx closes by urging the public to exercise patience and restraint. With the black boxes and flight recorders already recovered, an interim report is expected within a month or two. "Everything is just noise until then," the narrator states.

Despite the safety concerns, flying remains one of the safest modes of travel, according to the creator, who emphasizes that waiting for facts is essential before jumping to conclusions.

[1] Experts Rule Out Terrorism in Air India Flight 171 Crash, BBC, [https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-61031001]

[2] The Latest on Deadly Air India Plane Crash in India, Associated Press, [https://apnews.com/article/air-india-plane-crash-india-b68f3e01c6ce207f07df101e8221421d]

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As suggested by the Wyngx video, the belief that raising landing gear is the top priority during a mayday shortly after takeoff is misleading and inaccurate.
Wyngx dismisses the theory that the first officer may have retracted the flaps instead of the landing gear, considering it highly improbable for seasoned pilots due to the levers' different locations.
In response to an Instagram post claiming the aircraft had a "logbook full of issues," Wyngx explains that while every aircraft has issues, the question is whether any were critical or unfixed against Boeing's mandatory minimum equipment list.
Grainy footage suggesting missing flaps remains uncertain, as pixelated videos are unable to definitively determine the flap position, and only wreckage analysis can confirm it.
The bird strike theory in relation to Air India flight 171 is implausible, as the absence of visual evidence such as sparks or smoke supports its lack of credibility.
Wyngx emphasizes the importance of patience and restraint regarding theories surrounding the Air India flight 171 crash, as an interim report is expected within a month or two, and "everything is just noise until then."