Why the Ahmedabad Air India Flight Crashed: Main Reasons

Why the Ahmedabad Air India Flight Crashed: Why the Ahmedabad Air India Flight Crashed: In one of the worst aviation disasters in India in recent memory, Air India Flight AI-171, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner en route from Ahmedabad to London, crashed just minutes after takeoff, killing all 242 people on board and causing additional fatalities on the ground.

Initial findings point to a catastrophic engine or power failure during takeoff, making this the first-ever fatal crash involving the Boeing 787 series.

🔍 What Happened During Takeoff?

Flight AI-171 took off from Ahmedabad's Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at approximately 1:38 PM IST. The aircraft reportedly encountered severe issues at a low altitude — between 600 to 800 feet — just moments after liftoff.

According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the pilots made a "Mayday" call indicating a critical emergency, but contact was lost seconds later. The plane then plunged into a densely populated area in Meghani Nagar, hitting part of a medical college and residential hostel, igniting a massive fireball.

⚠️ Possible Reasons for the Crash

1. Technical Failure – Most Probable Cause

Experts believe the crash was caused by a sudden engine failure or a major power systems fault. Aviation analyst Capt. Nitin Rao noted, “The Dreamliner is equipped with advanced avionics, but if it loses thrust on takeoff, even experienced pilots may not be able to recover.”

The Boeing 787 had previously been under scrutiny for technical issues, including power distribution and engine reliability.

2. No Weather or External Disturbance

Meteorological reports confirm that weather conditions were clear and favorable, eliminating bad weather or wind shear as causes. There were also no reports of bird strikes or ATC miscommunication.

3. Aircraft Age and Maintenance

While the aircraft involved was nearly 11 years old, it had undergone scheduled maintenance checks. However, investigators are probing whether any undetected system malfunction played a role.

👩‍✈️ Crew & Passenger Details

• Passengers on board: 230

• Crew members: 12

• Fatalities: All 242 onboard confirmed dead

• Ground casualties: At least 14 confirmed dead, 37 injured (including hostel students)

Eyewitnesses described the horrifying scene: “The aircraft came down with a thunderous roar… everything around was on fire in seconds.”

🔥 Immediate Response & Rescue

Emergency services responded within minutes. NDRF teams, fire brigades, and ambulances worked around the clock to douse flames and recover bodies. The injured were rushed to nearby hospitals. A Green Corridor was created for quick medical transfers.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel, and Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia expressed condolences and visited the site.

🛫 Global Implications for Boeing

This incident marks the first fatal crash of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. Coming just weeks after Boeing’s $1.1 billion settlement over 737 MAX safety failures, this crash places renewed pressure on the aerospace giant.

Regulators across the globe may now conduct fleet-wide inspections, and airlines may demand increased transparency on the 787’s safety records.

🧪 What’s Next in the Investigation?

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has secured the Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR). Preliminary analysis is expected within a week, with a final report anticipated in 2-3 months.

Key points of investigation include:

• Engine logs and black box data

• Recent maintenance history

• Air Traffic Control transcripts

• Aircraft design flaws or system malfunctions

💬 Condolences and Reactions

• PM Modi: “A dark day for the nation. Our prayers are with the families.”

• British PM: “We stand with India in this tragic moment. British citizens aboard have been identified.”

• Boeing: “We are deeply saddened and cooperating fully with Indian authorities.”

Aircraft & Flight Details

• Flight AI‑171, a Boeing 787‑8 Dreamliner (tail number VT‑ANB), took off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at around 1:38 PM IST on June 12, 2025, bound for London Gatwick with 242 people onboard — 230 passengers and 12 crew

✍️ Conclusion

The tragic crash of AI-171 has shaken the nation and reopened global debates on aircraft safety, particularly concerning Boeing’s Dreamliner fleet. As the investigation unfolds, families and the public await answers, while authorities aim to ensure such a catastrophe never repeats.