Part 7/10:
The Aftermath and Investigation
While immediate reports heralded the pilots as heroes akin to the Miracle on the Hudson story featuring Captain Sullenberger, a deeper investigation led by Russian authorities revealed a very different narrative. The pilots’ earlier dismissal of the bird hazard, compounded by their inability to execute proper emergency protocols, had been critical failures during a pivotal moment.
Moreover, the investigation pointed out that had the landing gear been correctly retracted after the bird strikes, the remaining engine could have potentially produced enough thrust to continue climbing safely. This unfortunate oversight underscored the inherent complexities of aviation where procedural adherence is crucial to circumvent disaster.