The aftermath of the Air India Flight AI171 crash in Ahmedabad is revealing a disturbing trend: a significant number of passengers listed their own contact numbers as their emergency contacts, hindering efforts to inform families promptly. This detail has emerged amidst the ongoing investigation into the tragic incident that occurred on Thursday, June 12, 2025.
The London-bound Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, carrying 242 passengers and crew, crashed shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, claiming 279 lives, including 38 on the ground. Only one passenger, Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, miraculously survived the disaster.
The immediate aftermath of the crash saw authorities grappling with the grim task of identifying victims and notifying their families. However, they encountered an unexpected obstacle: many passengers had listed their own phone numbers in the emergency contact section of their booking information. This significantly slowed down the notification process, adding to the distress and anxiety of those waiting for news of their loved ones.
The reasons behind this practice are varied. Some passengers may have done so out of habit, while others might have wanted to be the first point of contact in case of any issues during the flight. Regardless of the reason, this trend highlights a critical gap in passenger awareness regarding emergency contact information. Airlines typically use this information to reach out to designated family members or close contacts in the event of an accident or other emergencies. Listing one's own number renders this process impossible, as seen in the Ahmedabad crash.
Meanwhile, the investigation into the cause of the crash is underway. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), along with international agencies like the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the U.K.’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), are working to determine what led to the tragic event. Both the flight data recorder (FDR) and the cockpit voice recorder (CVR), also known as the "black boxes," have been recovered. The data extracted from these devices is expected to provide crucial insights into the final moments of the flight, including any technical malfunctions or human error that may have contributed to the crash.
A high-level committee formed by the government is scheduled to meet on Monday, June 16, 2025, to formulate standard operating procedures to prevent similar incidents in the future. This committee will focus on a holistic, policy-oriented roadmap, while the AAIB continues its technical investigation. Aviation experts have suggested several possible causes for the crash, including engine failure, bird strikes, pilot error, or technical malfunction. Initial reports suggest that the aircraft may have experienced a loss of lift shortly after takeoff, leading to the crash.
The accident has raised concerns about the safety of the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, although aviation experts point out that the aircraft has generally had a good safety record. This particular aircraft had undergone comprehensive maintenance checks in June 2023, with the next check scheduled for December 2025.
In the wake of the tragedy, DNA testing is being used to identify the victims, as many bodies were charred beyond recognition. As of June 15, 2025, 47 victims had been identified through DNA matching, and 25 bodies had been handed over to their families. The process is painstaking, but authorities are working to expedite it while maintaining accuracy.
The Air India Flight AI171 crash is a stark reminder of the importance of accurate emergency contact information and the need for heightened awareness among passengers. As the investigation progresses, it is hoped that the findings will lead to improved safety measures and prevent similar tragedies in the future.
