While an aircraft engineer named Panchal was testing the plane from the cockpit, it was ground engineer Manoj Nair, under its belly, who reportedly saw the plane vibrating violently. He escaped unhurt, narrowly. The Dubai-bound plane, the AI 717, is a Boeing 777 and among the new aircraft in Air India's stable, leased from the United Airlines. The airline spokesperson said while human error could not be ruled out, the two engineers concerned have been suspended pending an inquiry. He also refuted charges of the aircraft had vibrated before its nose collapsed, saying no aircraft can vibrate when its engine is switched off.

“While nothing can be said before investigations are completed as you have to carefully go through every minute detail. However, you cannot ignore the fact that it is a very serious incident -- there is no doubt about that,” said senior civil aviation advisor and a former Director of Civil Aviation, H S Khola.