On June 12, 2025, tragedy struck Indian aviation when Air India Flight AI171 crashed just 30 seconds after takeoff from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. Bound for London Gatwick, the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner carried 242 souls—only one survived. This marked the first-ever fatal crash involving a 787-8 since it began commercial service in 2011.
While the exact cause remains under investigation, early reports and expert analysis shed light on what might have led to this devastating accident.
Moments After Takeoff: A Desperate Struggle for Altitude
Piloted by veterans Capt. Sumeet Sabharwal and Clive Kundar, the aircraft gave a mayday call almost immediately after takeoff at 13:39 local time. The Dreamliner reportedly struggled to gain altitude and crashed just 1.5 km from the runway into a residential area, resulting in massive loss of life both in the air and on the ground.
One survivor described hearing a loud bang as the aircraft climbed, suggesting a critical malfunction. Flight data indicates the plane reached just 625 feet before descending rapidly.
Possible Causes: Air India Crash 2025
1. Double Engine Failure
One theory points to the rare possibility of a double engine failure, which could result from:
- Fuel contamination
- Blocked fuel metering systems
- Simultaneous bird strikes (though uncommon)
Experts note the Ram Air Turbine (RAT) may have failed to deploy, and the plane had no thrust or power to maintain flight.
2. Bird Strike
Ahmedabad Airport has a notorious history of bird strike incidents—462 over five years. A bird ingested into an engine during takeoff can cause significant damage, and experts have not ruled this out.
3. Configuration Errors (Flaps)
Some pilots suggest the aircraft’s flaps may not have been properly extended during takeoff. Flaps are crucial for generating lift at lower speeds, especially with a full fuel load and high ambient temperatures. However, Boeing’s warning systems usually prevent such errors—raising the possibility of human error or checklist oversight.
Wreckage, Eyewitnesses, and Investigation
CCTV footage and eyewitness accounts confirm the aircraft flew low over residential buildings before crashing into a medical college hostel, killing students, staff, and residents. The landing gear was reportedly still down, which is abnormal for that phase of flight.
Authorities have launched a multi-national investigation, with experts from India, the UK, the US, Boeing, and GE Aerospace on-site to analyze the black box and flight data recorders.
Survivor’s Account: A Haunting Escape
The only survivor, a British national seated in seat 11A, told media that he heard a loud noise and witnessed the chaos around him as the plane went down. Injured but alive, he escaped from the wreckage, unable to locate his brother who was seated in another row.
Aviation’s Darkest Day in a Decade
This is being termed India’s deadliest aviation disaster in over 10 years, and the worst globally involving a Dreamliner. The crash raises questions about maintenance, operational procedures, airport safety standards, and the impact of environmental factors like bird activity and extreme heat.
What’s Next?
The Indian government has formed a high-level committee, and formal inquiries are underway. While authorities caution against speculation, experts emphasize that understanding the true cause is vital to prevent future tragedies.
Our thoughts are with the families of the victims, the survivor, and all affected by this immense loss.
