Air India Crash Caused by Pilot Seat Malfunction – Preliminary Report

A chilling mechanical failure has emerged as the key cause behind the devastating Air India Boeing 787 crash that killed 270 people.

A preliminary investigation has found that a malfunction in the captain’s seat locking mechanism caused it to abruptly slide backward during takeoff, triggering a chain of fatal events.

According to the initial findings, the captain was unintentionally pulled away from the controls, causing his hands to force the throttle levers into the “idle” position. This sudden reduction in engine power occurred just seconds after liftoff, dooming the flight within moments.

The co-pilot’s efforts to recover the aircraft were severely hampered by the captain’s reclined position, which blocked critical controls. Within 30 seconds of the malfunction, the plane lost lift and slammed into a nearby building housing medical staff.

Key moments from the cockpit voice and data recorders include:

• +12 seconds: Captain’s seat slides backward

  

• +15 seconds: Co-pilot shouts, “We’re losing thrust!”

• +26 seconds: Aircraft stalls at just 214 feet

Investigators also criticized the lack of safety safeguards on the 787’s thrust controls—such as reverse-motion prevention or weight-based lockout features. No automated safety commands, like “GO-AROUND” or “STAB TRIM,” were triggered during the emergency.

In response, aviation regulators worldwide are taking urgent action:

• FAA and EASA have mandated immediate inspections of all Boeing 787 pilot seats

• Air India has grounded 12 jets with similar maintenance profiles

• Boeing has promised a redesign of the pilot seat system, with updates expected by 2026

The tragic crash left only one survivor—a British national currently receiving treatment. A full investigation report is due in July 2025, with global aviation authorities pledging sweeping safety reforms to prevent such a catastrophe from happening again.