Air India Flight 171’s engine failure after takeoff has raised alarms as investigators focus on a potential FADEC malfunction, with the final chilling words from the captain—”We are unable to maintain altitude, requesting an emergency return”—revealing the tense moments before the crisis, leaving the aviation world questioning the reliability of digital systems in modern aircraft.

The mystery behind the tragic malfunction of Air India Flight 171 deepened this week as investigators turned their focus to a potential failure in the FADEC (Full Authority Digital Engine Control) system of the Boeing 787.

This is the same system that, when operating properly, regulates engine thrust and performance.

Authorities are now suggesting that a malfunction in this system could have caused a dramatic loss of engine power shortly after takeoff, leaving the flight with insufficient thrust to stay airborne.

The incident occurred during a routine departure from Mumbai International Airport on a clear afternoon, sending ripples of concern through aviation experts and passengers worldwide.

After climbing to around 10,000 feet, the flight unexpectedly lost engine power, forcing the crew to declare an emergency.

According to flight data, the engine lost thrust immediately after the aircraft’s weight was lifted off the wheels, leading investigators to explore the possibility that an internal system failure, possibly within the FADEC, might be responsible.

This development follows a series of troubling inconsistencies observed during the flight.

Eyewitness accounts from other pilots in the area reported that the aircraft appeared to be struggling with its climb.

One pilot noted that it seemed “as though the engines weren’t responding as they should.

” As the investigation unfolded, questions arose about whether the loss of thrust was due to a malfunctioning digital engine control system that failed to properly manage the fuel and air mixture during ascent.

In a dramatic turn of events, investigators have now confirmed the final 9 words from the captain’s communication with air traffic control shortly before the crash.

“We are unable to maintain altitude, requesting an emergency return.

” These words, chilling in their finality, were the last recorded message before the aircraft fell silent.

This final transmission has raised further alarms about the extent of the engine issue and the time window the crew had to react.

The FADEC system, which is designed to automate much of the engine’s performance management, has come under scrutiny.

Many experts are questioning whether the reliance on digital systems to control critical functions in modern aircraft might be introducing risks not fully understood by the industry.

FADEC systems are generally regarded as reliable and have been used in aviation for over 40 years.

However, this incident casts doubt on the system’s ability to adapt to emergency conditions, particularly when something goes wrong during the most critical phase of flight.

Some sources within the investigation have hinted at potential software glitches or even external interference as possible causes of the malfunction.

With increasing reliance on advanced computer systems, a failure at this level raises uncomfortable questions about whether modern aircraft are too complex for even the most experienced pilots to troubleshoot under extreme pressure.

The final moments of Flight 171 have also been the subject of intense speculation.

Despite the aircraft’s reliance on technology, the human element cannot be overlooked.

Investigators are exploring whether the flight crew’s ability to respond quickly was hindered by the computer malfunction, possibly leading to delays in troubleshooting the issue.

“There is no record of an immediate attempt to manually override the system,” one source said, pointing to a lack of communication from the cockpit during the crucial moments before the emergency landing.

A deeper dive into the investigation has revealed that the black box data from the aircraft might provide more clarity about the malfunction, but early signs suggest that the digital systems were in overdrive trying to compensate for the lost thrust.

Experts are also examining the physical condition of the engines for any hardware failures that may have occurred at the same time.

The emotional toll on the crew and passengers has been profound, as survivors have reported hearing the crew’s calm but urgent exchanges with the tower, even as the situation deteriorated.

One survivor said, “You could hear the fear in their voices, but they stayed focused.

I will never forget those last moments, especially the captain’s voice.”

As authorities continue to investigate, the issue of aircraft reliance on digital systems is likely to take center stage in the aviation community, with experts demanding that the industry reexamine how to balance technology and human oversight in the cockpit.

It is unclear at this point whether this incident will lead to sweeping changes in aviation regulations or be dismissed as an isolated event.

For now, Flight 171’s story is still unfolding, and its legacy could change the way the world looks at flying — and the computers that keep the engines running.