Air india
Why Did the Air India Flight Crash in Ahmedabad? Full Investigation of 242 Onboard, Dozens Dead
Brief Introduction
On June 12, 2025, Air India Flight AI 171, a Boeing 787‑8 Dreamliner, tragically crashed mere minutes after takeoff from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. The aircraft, bound for London Gatwick, carried 242 people (230 passengers and 12 crew), including 11 children. The mayday alert was followed by a devastating impact in the Meghani Nagar neighbourhood, impacting a doctors’ hostel and triggering a massive fire. Initial reports confirm dozens of fatalities, though the exact number remains unverified amid ongoing rescue operations. Authorities—including DGCA, AAIB, Boeing, and local first-responders—are leading a multi-agency probe into the causes of the crash.
Table of Contents
Air India Crash
1. Incident Overview
- Date & Time: June 12, 2025, ~13:38 IST (08:08 GMT)
- Aircraft: Boeing 787‑8 Dreamliner, registration VT‑ANB
- Flight Path: Ahmedabad → London Gatwick (Flight AI 171)
- Occupants: 242 total (230 passengers, 12 crew) including 11 children
2. Crash Site & Impact
- Location: Meghani Nagar, near a doctors’ hostel just beyond airport perimeter
- Aftermath: Massive fire, thick smoke, structural damage to nearby buildings
3. Passenger & Crew Profile
- Nationality breakdown: 169 Indians, 53 Britons, 7 Portuguese, 1 Canadian
- Crew included 2 pilots (Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, First Officer Clive Kundar) and 10 cabin staff
4. Casualties & Survivors
- Fatalities: “Dozens” confirmed dead, exact number unverified (recovery ongoing)
- Injured moved to local hospitals; rescue in full swing
5. Eyewitness Reports
- Residents reported multiple explosions and rapid fireball; video footage captures sudden smoke and flames
6. Mayday & Flight Data
- Mayday call issued seconds after takeoff from runway 23; signal lost almost immediately afterward
7. Preliminary Causes Under Review
- Mechanical issues vs human error (ATC, pilot)—early investigation
- Clear weather conditions, undercarriage engaged, flaps retracted
- Fuel load for long-haul flight may have intensified fire and destruction
8. Agency Responses
- DGCA & AAIB: Black boxes recovered; investigation underway
- Air India: Emergency centre activated; family support services established
- Boeing: “Gathering more information”, shareholder shock seen in 6.8% stock drop
9. Government & Political Reactions
- PM Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah coordinating relief and response efforts
- UK PM Keir Starmer expressed sorrow and vowed support for British nationals
10. Impact on Aviation Sector
- First fatal crash of Boeing 787 series—alarms for aviation safety protocols
- Prompts review of Air India operational audits, ATC procedures, emergency response capabilities
11. What’s Next?
- Full probe expected over coming months; final DGCA & AAIB reports due later
- Potential policy reforms in aircraft maintenance, airport safety, crew protocols
- Air India’s credibility and public trust at stake; long-term implications for international travel confidence
1. Overview of the Incident
- Date and time of the crash
- Aircraft type and flight number
- Departure and intended destination
- Initial reports from news and aviation authorities
2. Crash Location and Damage
- Exact location near Ahmedabad (coordinates if available)
- Visual damage and destruction
- Nearby area impact (airport, residential zone, etc.)
3. Passenger and Crew Details
- Number of passengers and crew on board
- Casualty figures and survivor stories
- Nationalities involved (if any international passengers)
- Rescue and medical response timeline
4. Eyewitness Accounts
- Statements from locals and airport staff
- What people saw and heard before/after the crash
- Videos/images circulating on social media (if verified)
5. Preliminary Investigation Reports
- DGCA and airline’s first statements
- Flight data recorder (Black Box) recovery
- Technical faults or weather issues
- Was there any pilot distress signal?
6. Possible Causes of the Crash
- Mechanical failure or engine problem
- Human error (pilot, air traffic control)
- Weather conditions (fog, wind shear, etc.)
- Maintenance and service history of the aircraft
7. Airline’s Response and Statement
- Official Air India press release
- Support for victims’ families
- Flight cancellation or compensation announcements
8. Government and DGCA Action
- PM and Aviation Minister’s statements
- Compensation declared
- Emergency aviation meeting or action taken
- International assistance or investigation involvement (if any)
9. Impact on Aviation Industry in India
- Concerns over Air India safety protocols
- Air traffic control and airport readiness questioned
- Possible reforms or audits in response
10. Conclusion: What Happens Next?
- Final investigation timeline
- What travelers should know
- Air India’s image and the public’s reaction
- Will this change Indian aviation safety standards?