Pilot Analyzes Air India Boeing 787 Crash

A seasoned commercial airline pilot believes he may have discovered the crucial factors leading to the tragic crash of an Air India Boeing 787. Steve Schreiber, who shares insights on YouTube as “Captain Steeeve,” examined a newly surfaced video that includes audio from just before the aircraft went down, resulting in 241 fatalities on board and at least 29 on the ground.

In the video posted on Friday, Schreiber speculates that a dual engine failure could be the likely cause after the deployment of a ram air turbine (RAT). He explained that many planes are equipped with this feature, which is located behind the right wing and resembles a small outboard motor.

According to Schreiber, the RAT’s function is to supply electrical and hydraulic power in extreme emergencies. “It deploys during significant electrical or hydraulic failures, or in case of a double engine failure,” he noted.

He analyzed a screenshot from footage captured just prior to the crash, referring to a “little grade dot” as he examined the situation. He further remarked on the sound captured in the video, which might support his theory about the RAT’s activation.

“RATs emit a distinctive noise. It’s akin to a propeller plane passing by or a high-pitched whine. They spin quickly to generate the necessary power,” Schreiber elaborated, adding that if one were unaware, it could easily be mistaken for a single-engine plane flying overhead.

The aircraft crashed into the densely populated Meganinagar area near the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport shortly after takeoff on June 12, 2025. This incident sparked a massive explosion, exacerbated by the fuel load typical for international flights, and rescue operations commenced promptly.

Schreiber, who has 26 years of flight experience, emphasized that the RAT is meant to be a last resort for severe dual engine failure scenarios. “It’s not intended for lower altitude scenarios like 400-500 feet, but it does serve as proof,” he commented.

He theorized that the Boeing 787 likely experienced dual engine failure soon after takeoff. “It seems probable that there was a double engine failure, though it could be linked to an electrical or hydraulic issue,” he stated, feeling that the plane’s inability to maintain altitude gives credence to this theory.

Further supporting his claims, he referenced the sole survivor of the crash, Vishwash Kumar Ramesh. Ramesh, seated in 11A, recalled how the plane struggled to ascend and suddenly crashed, not having reached a safe altitude. “It glided for a moment before plummeting down,” he recounted.

Schreiber pointed to Ramesh’s account, noting that he heard a loud bang and saw the lights flicker just before the crash, reinforcing the dual engine failure theory. “The RAT engages and the lights flicker; the captain reported a Mayday call due to loss of thrust,” he explained.

Despite some initial reports ruling out dual engine failure, Schreiber remains skeptical. “I find it hard to believe both engines on a 787 could fail simultaneously,” he said, keeping an open mind about other potential factors contributing to the tragedy until further evidence emerges.