Tragic Crash of Air India Flight AI-171: A Detailed Account

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Tragic Crash of Air India Flight AI-171: A Detailed Account

On June 12, 2025, Air India Flight AI-171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner registered VT-ANB, tragically crashed shortly after taking off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad. The aircraft was en route to London Gatwick Airport with 242 individuals on board, including 230 passengers and 12 crew members. This incident marks the first fatal crash involving the Boeing 787 since its introduction, and it has become one of the deadliest aviation disasters in recent history.

Aircraft and Crew Details

The aircraft involved in the accident was an 11-year-old Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, delivered to Air India in January 2014. It was powered by General Electric GEnx-1B67 engines. The flight was commanded by Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, a line training captain with over 8,200 hours of flying experience, and First Officer Clive Kundar, who had logged 1,100 hours. The passenger manifest included nationals from India, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Portugal.

The Final Moments

Flight AI-171 took off from runway 23 at 13:38 IST. According to ADS-B data, the aircraft reached an altitude of 625 feet before the transponder signal was lost at 08:08:50 UTC, approximately 30 seconds after takeoff. During this brief period, the flight crew issued a mayday call to air traffic control, indicating a loss of control. Eyewitnesses reported hearing multiple explosions and observing thick plumes of smoke as the aircraft descended and crashed into a multi-storey building in the Meghani Nagar area, approximately 8 km from the airport.

Ground Impact and Casualties

The crash site was near B.J. Medical College, where the aircraft struck a hostel building housing medical students. The impact resulted in a massive fireball, causing significant structural damage. At least 204 bodies have been recovered from the crash site, including both passengers and victims on the ground. Additionally, five medical students were confirmed dead, and several others were injured.

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Emergency Response and Rescue Operations

Emergency services, including fire engines and ambulances, were promptly dispatched to the crash site. The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), responsible for airport security, activated emergency protocols immediately after the crash. The Indian Army was also deployed to assist in clearing debris and treating the injured. All roads leading to the crash site and surrounding areas were closed to facilitate rescue operations. Shortly after the crash, all flight operations at Ahmedabad Airport were temporarily suspended.

Investigation and Preliminary Findings

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) initiated a comprehensive investigation into the cause of the crash. Preliminary reports suggest that the aircraft's landing gear remained extended during the initial climb, which is unusual for a commercial jet during takeoff. Experts have speculated that the aircraft may have experienced a catastrophic failure to gain lift, possibly due to engine issues or other technical malfunctions. The aircraft's black box, which includes the cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder, has been recovered and is being analyzed to determine the sequence of events leading to the crash.

Speculations and Expert Opinions

Aviation experts have proposed several theories regarding the cause of the crash. Some suggest that the aircraft may have suffered from fuel contamination or configuration issues that prevented it from achieving the necessary lift. Others speculate that multiple bird strikes could have led to engine failure or other critical malfunctions. The exact cause remains unclear, and authorities are awaiting the final investigation report.

Global Reactions and Aftermath

The crash has drawn widespread international attention and condolences. World leaders, including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, expressed their sympathies to the victims' families. The incident has also prompted a review of safety protocols and procedures by aviation authorities worldwide. Boeing, the manufacturer of the aircraft, has pledged to cooperate fully with the investigation and provide any necessary assistance.

Impact on Air India and Aviation Industry

This tragic event has placed Air India under intense scrutiny. The airline, which has a long history dating back to 1932, has faced challenges in recent years, including safety concerns and financial difficulties. The crash of Flight AI-171 is expected to have significant implications for the airline's operations and reputation. The incident has also raised questions about the safety of the Boeing 787, which has been widely used by airlines around the world.

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Ongoing Investigation and Future Measures

The investigation into the cause of the crash is ongoing. Authorities are examining all possible factors, including aircraft maintenance records, crew training, and airport procedures. The findings of the investigation are expected to lead to recommendations for improving safety measures and preventing similar incidents in the future. In the meantime, Air India has pledged to support the families of the victims and cooperate fully with the authorities.

Conclusion

The crash of Air India Flight AI-171 is a devastating tragedy that has claimed the lives of at least 290 people, including passengers and victims on the ground. While the exact cause remains under investigation, the incident underscores the importance of rigorous safety protocols and continuous vigilance in the aviation industry. As the investigation progresses, it is hoped that lessons learned will lead to enhanced safety measures and prevent such tragedies in the future. © 2025 FBP - fantaasco BlogPost . All rights reserved.|Powered by: The Fantaasco Group|                        🌐 thefactaascogroup.com