it wasOn June 12, 2025, what began as a routine flight turned into one of the darkest days in Indian
aviation history: The Ahmedabad Plane Crash. Air India Flight AI 171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner operating the Mumbai Ahmedabad–London Gatwick route, crashed shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport.
The aircraft departed at 1:38 PM IST from Runway 23. Within just 30 to 36 seconds of take-off, the
plane reached an altitude of around 625 feet before it encountered an unexplainable descent. A
“Mayday” distress call was issued by the pilots. Just a few moments later, the aircraft crashed into
the B.J. Medical College hostel building in Meghani Nagar, outside the airport boundary.
The Devastating Impact of the Ahmedabad Plane Crash
The crash caused multiple explosions, followed by heavy smoke and fire engulfing the area.
>Emergency response teams, including 150 CRPF personnel, 3 NDRF units, Indian Army rescue teams, and local authorities, rushed to the site within minutes.
The tragedy caused 241 of the 242 people on board which included 230 passengers and 12 crew
members, lose their lives. The only survivor was Vishwas Kumar Ramesh, a 40-year-old British
national seated at 11A. Vishwas managed to escape through an emergency exit with only minor
injuries. His miraculous survival has become a story of hope amid despair.
On the ground, at least 39 people, mostly students and staff from the hostel lost their lives. Over 60
others were injured in the crash and subsequent fires.
Identifying the Victims: DNA Matching and Compensation Efforts Underway
Authorities have launched a massive operation to identify the deceased. By June 20, authorities had processed over 215 DNA samples, identified around 198 victims, and handed over 173 bodies to families for final rites.
The damage to public property, especially to medical student’s accommodations and surrounding
buildings, is estimated at ₹2.69 crore. Approximately 97 students and junior doctors have been
directly affected by the property loss and emotional trauma.
In a compassionate gesture, the Tata Group announced compensation of ₹1 crore for each victim’s
family and full medical coverage for the injured. Additionally, an “AI-171 Trust” has been launched to ensure long-term financial and emotional support for the victims’ families and survivors.
What went wrong with Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner? Inside the Ongoing Investigation
The cause of the Ahmedabad plane crash remains under investigation. Investigators have recovered both black boxes — the Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) — though damage has occurred to their outer casings. The analysis is now underway, jointly handled by India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), and the UK’s Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB).
Initial theories point towards a possible dual engine failure or a sudden loss of thrust. The deployment of the aircraft’s Ram Air Turbine (RAT) shortly after take-off suggests a major mechanical failure. Experts are also examining possibilities related to flap malfunction or landing gear issues.
Air India recently conducted routine checks on the aircraft and replaced one of its engines in March 2025. The pilot in command, Capt. Sumeet Sabharwal, had over 8,200 hours of flying experience, while the co-pilot, First Officer Clive Kunder, had over 1,100 hours.
While investigators rule out foul play or sabotage, whistleblower reports and past warnings about
Boeing 787 design flaws have reignited debates around aviation oversight and corporate
accountability.
A Nation’s Response: Relief Efforts and Policy Action After the Ahemdabad Plane Crash
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Civil Aviation Minister personally monitored the situation. Air
India, now under Tata Group management, has committed to full transparency in the investigation.
>Meanwhile, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has ordered immediate checks and
audits of all Boeing 787 aircraft operating in India. A broader industry-wide review of safety
standards and airline maintenance protocols is expected in the coming weeks.
Aviation Accidents Worldwide: A Troubling Pattern
This crash is part of a troubling series of aviation incidents around the world. In recent months:
- A Qantas A380 had a dangerous un-commanded descent mid-flight before it was brought
under control. - A Copa Airlines Boeing 737 suffered a mid-air door detachment, prompting emergency
landing procedures. - Turkish Airlines narrowly avoided disaster when a bird strike during take-off disabled one
engine. - Ethiopian Airlines has reported several altitude control issues with their Boeing 737 MAX
fleet. - On June 16, 2025, a British Airways Dreamliner bound for Chennai returned to Heathrow
after circling mid-air due to a suspected flap malfunction and fuel dumping.
Though aviation remains one of the safest modes of transport, the recurrence of such incidents has raised concerns. People are questioning aircraft manufacturing standards, airline preparedness, and regulatory vigilance.
The Ahmedabad plane crash is a painful reminder of the fragility of life. It also highlights the urgent need for stringent aviation safety practices. As investigations continue, the top priority is to support the grieving families. Authorities must work to uncover the exact cause of the crash and take every step to prevent such a tragedy from happening again.