On June 12, 2025, India faced one of its most devastating aviation disasters when Air India Flight AI171 crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad, claiming over 240 lives. Here's an in-depth look at what happened, potential causes, and ongoing investigations.
✈️ A Routine Flight Turns Tragic
Air India Flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, was scheduled to fly from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad to London Gatwick. The aircraft had 242 individuals on board, including 230 passengers and 12 crew members.
Just under a minute after takeoff, at an altitude of approximately 625 feet, the pilot issued a MAYDAY call. Moments later, the plane lost contact with air traffic control and crashed into a residential area in Meghani Nagar, striking a doctors’ hostel and erupting into flames due to the large amount of fuel onboard.
🧑🚒 Immediate Response and Casualties
The aftermath was catastrophic. Authorities confirmed that all 242 people aboard perished, and several individuals on the ground also lost their lives or sustained critical injuries. Victims included 169 Indian nationals, 53 Britons, 7 Portuguese, and 1 Canadian.
Emergency services—including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), local firefighters, and paramedics—arrived quickly. Airport operations were temporarily halted, and emergency hotlines were set up in both India and the UK to support grieving families.
🕵️ What Caused the Crash? Early Clues
A joint investigation was launched by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), with support from Boeing engineers. Though the final report is pending, several early findings and theories are being explored.
Possible Factors Under Review:
1. Pilot/Human Error
The pilot in command, Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, had over 8,200 hours of flight experience, making human error less likely but not impossible. Aviation experts suggest scenarios such as poor visibility, improper climb rate, or procedural lapses could have contributed.
2. Technical Malfunction
Mechanical failure is also a key area of focus. A sudden issue with the engines, hydraulic systems, or avionics could have caused the rapid descent. The Dreamliner had no prior fatal accidents before this crash, raising questions about whether a rare or unprecedented fault occurred.
3. Fuel Load and Fire Intensity
The aircraft was fully loaded for an international flight, carrying large quantities of fuel, which intensified the fire upon impact and may have hindered any possible survival or evacuation efforts.
📦 Black Boxes and the Path Ahead
Investigators are working to retrieve and analyze the Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR). These devices will provide vital insights into the final moments before the crash.
The following steps are expected:
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Initial findings within weeks.
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Interim investigation report in 1–3 months.
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Final report with causes and recommendations in 6–12 months.
🌍 Global Reaction and Support
Leaders from across the world, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and King Charles, expressed condolences. Air India and government agencies are working together to assist the victims’ families, offering compensation and counseling.
Boeing has pledged full cooperation with Indian authorities. Financial markets responded with a slight drop in Boeing shares, given the high-profile nature of the incident and the previously strong safety record of the 787.
📌 Conclusion
The Air India Flight AI171 crash marks a grim day in India's aviation history. While the cause remains under investigation, it is clear that a combination of factors—technical failure, human decision-making, or unforeseeable circumstances—may have led to this heartbreaking loss. As families mourn, the aviation community now waits for answers that could shape future safety protocols and prevent such tragedies in the future.