Ahmedabad, June 13, 2025 — A devastating air tragedy has gripped India and the global aviation community after Air India Flight AI171, en route from Ahmedabad to London, crashed moments after takeoff, killing 241 people onboard and causing additional fatalities on the ground. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, carrying 242 passengers and crew, went down at 1:38 PM IST on June 12, impacting the BJ Medical College hostel mess near Meghaninagar, Ahmedabad.
Scene of Devastation and Rescue Efforts
On Friday morning, one intact body and several body parts were recovered from the crash site. DNA samples from over 200 victims have been collected for identification, and five post-mortem reports have enabled handovers to grieving families. Rescue and identification operations continue amid the charred remains of the aircraft and the damaged hostel complex.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the crash site early Friday, expressing deep sorrow. He later met with Ramesh Vishvakumar, the lone survivor seated in 11A, and several injured individuals at the Civil Hospital. “The scene of devastation is saddening. Our thoughts remain with those who lost their loved ones in this unimaginable tragedy,” Modi wrote on X.
Investigation Underway: Multiple Theories Explored
Authorities are investigating multiple potential causes, including:
- Bird strike
- Double engine malfunction
- Fuel contamination
- Overloading
Investigators are reviewing flight data, radar recordings, and the aircraft’s maintenance logs to determine whether repairs were delayed or skipped. The flight reached just 625 feet before descending sharply. CCTV footage shows the aircraft struggling to gain altitude, landing gear extended, before erupting into flames on impact.
Survivor Ramesh Vishvakumar's account revealed the aircraft lost power shortly after takeoff. “It accelerated, lurched, and crashed,” he recounted, raising questions about a sudden dual engine shutdown.
Historical Context: Double Engine Failures in Aviation
Though exceedingly rare, double engine failure has occurred in aviation history:
- US Airways Flight 1549 (2009): Both engines failed after a bird strike. The Airbus A320 ditched safely in the Hudson River.
- Air Transat Flight 236 (2001): Fuel leak led to engine failure over the Atlantic. Pilots glided the plane safely to the Azores.
- British Airways Flight 9 (1982): All four engines of a Boeing 747 failed due to volcanic ash. They were restarted mid-descent.
These events emphasize how altitude, aircraft type, and crew response are critical to survival.
The Aircraft and Air India’s Track Record
Flight AI171 was operated by a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, a modern aircraft with a strong safety record. However, Air India’s Dreamliner fleet has recorded 32 safety incidents over the past decade, including engine shutdowns and hydraulic leaks. GE Aerospace, the engine manufacturer, has dispatched a technical team to assist.
Experts point to possible aerodynamic errors: high temperatures on the day, improper flap settings, and extended landing gear may have contributed to insufficient lift. Aviation analysts stress that double engine failure at low altitude—especially below 1,000 feet—offers little time for pilot recovery.
Broader Implications and Government Response
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau, and U.S. Federal Aviation Administration are jointly involved in the probe. Black box data will be pivotal in identifying the exact sequence of events. Relief flights for victims' families have been arranged, and compensation packages are being processed, with ₹1 crore per victim plus Montreal Convention benefits.
This is the first fatal crash involving a Boeing 787 Dreamliner. For India, it recalls the 1988 Indian Airlines Flight 113 crash, which also occurred near Ahmedabad. The current tragedy underscores the critical need for robust maintenance, pilot preparedness, and up-to-date safety protocols in aviation.
The loss of Air India Flight AI171 is a catastrophic reminder that even advanced aviation systems are not immune to failure. As investigators piece together the chain of events, the global aviation community watches closely. While rare, incidents like this compel renewed focus on maintenance discipline, environmental risk mitigation, and emergency readiness.
Only time and data will tell what truly brought down Flight AI171—but for now, a nation mourns, and the world waits for answers.
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