In the wake of the tragic air crash in Ahmedabad, much of the narrative—especially from Boeing and major Western media outlets—has centered on the idea of pilot error, pointing to the fact that the pilots involved were Indian.
But while human error should never be ruled out prematurely, jumping to conclusions without all the facts may cloud deeper and more serious questions—particularly regarding equipment failure.
The Overlooked Incident: A Similar Case in Nigeria
Six months before the Ahmedabad crash, a remarkably similar situation unfolded involving another Boeing 787 Dreamliner—United Airlines Flight 613—that departed from Lagos, Nigeria, en route to Washington D.C. This incident, surprisingly absent from most Western media reports, offers critical insight that could reshape how we understand the Ahmedabad tragedy.
What Happened Over Nigeria?
On a quiet January night in 2025, United Flight 613 took off from Lagos. About 93 minutes after takeoff, disaster nearly struck:
- At 12:30:57 AM, the aircraft’s autopilot system suddenly disengaged.
- The plane began falling rapidly, creating panic onboard.
- Black box analysis later revealed a serious fault in the aircraft’s electrical system.
- Most alarmingly, both engines showed power fluctuations—a detail that matches reports from the Ahmedabad crash.
Despite the chaos, the pilots of Flight 613 managed to recover. They were cruising at a high altitude, had sufficient speed, and were able to manually stabilize the aircraft before returning safely to Lagos within 24 minutes.
The Boeing 787: A Marvel with a Vulnerability?
The Boeing 787 Dreamliner is known for its cutting-edge technology. But that’s also its Achilles’ heel. Being a machine deeply dependent on electronic and electric-powered systems, any disruption in its power network can affect not just cabin amenities like lighting or ventilation, but critical controls such as:
- Engine management
- Autopilot function
- Cabin pressure systems
When these fail mid-air, the situation becomes extremely difficult—sometimes impossible—to recover from, especially at low altitudes.
Echoes of Lagos in Ahmedabad
Testimonies from passengers on the Nigerian flight described a loud bang, followed by a sharp downward plunge and flickering lights in the cabin. Shockingly, these are the same conditions described by Vishwas Kumar, the only survivor of the Ahmedabad crash. He recalled a loud noise, lights flickering, and then a sudden descent.
The similarities are too specific to ignore.
In both incidents:
- Electrical malfunctions led to engine power disruption.
- The planes experienced an uncontrolled drop.
- There were visual and auditory warnings of system failure.
- The Boeing 787 Dreamliner was involved.
The difference? United Airlines Flight 613 had altitude and time on its side. Ahmedabad’s flight, on the other hand, was just 650 feet above the ground with 10 seconds or less to react—nowhere near enough for any pilot, however skilled, to save the aircraft.
Why This Matters
The rush to assign blame to pilots—without awaiting final data from the black box and flight recorders—diverts attention from other critical systemic risks that may exist in the aircraft’s design or manufacturing. When we see such eerie similarities across two flights on different continents, it’s not just a coincidence—it’s a red flag.
If equipment failure, particularly in the electrical systems of Boeing 787s, can cause these life-threatening scenarios, then regulators, airlines, and aircraft manufacturers must address it transparently and urgently.
A Call for Broader Investigation
The aviation industry relies on data, not assumptions. Until we have the complete findings from the Ahmedabad flight’s black box, it’s essential to consider all plausible causes—including equipment failure. This isn’t just about protecting pilots’ reputations; it’s about ensuring the safety of every passenger who steps aboard a Dreamliner in the future.
Conclusion:
Before we assign blame, we must ask better questions. The story of United Airlines Flight 613 is a cautionary tale. It shows us what could happen when high-tech systems fail—and what’s at stake when we choose not to listen.