When a modern aircraft crashes as tragically and sensationally as Air India Flight AI 171 did on take-off bound for London last night, it’s normal to search for the cause as soon as possible, especially as so many passengers around the world continue to travel on the same type of aircraft, in this case a Boeing 787, while the search for answers takes place.

And while it’s dangerous and irresponsible to speculate at the early stage of an aircraft accident investigation, or at any stage for that matter, it is worth analysing the risk mitigators that all airlines put in place at the commencement of any modern flight.

The Boeing Dreamliner was filmed shortly after take-off descending and crashing into a residential area.Credit: The Age

What we know is the B787 was scheduled to operate a direct flight from India to London. This, while not an extremely long flight, comes under the category of “long haul”. By this very definition, the aircraft would have been heavily laden with passengers, cargo and fuel and, as such, would have executed a........

© The Sydney Morning Herald