The Air India flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner en route to London Gatwick, crashed shortly after taking off from Ahmedabad's Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on Thursday, June 12, 2025. The crash took place at 1:38 PM local time, mere minutes after departure, sending shockwaves through the aviation community and leaving families in mourning.

The Immediate Aftermath

The aircraft, carrying 242 passengers and crew, including 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, one Canadian national, and seven Portuguese nationals, plummeted into a residential area in the Meghani Nagar locality near the airport. The impact was devastating, with the plane striking a doctors' hostel building associated with BJ Medical College. The crash ignited a massive fire, plumes of black smoke billowing into the sky, visible for kilometers.

Emergency services, including fire engines, ambulances, and police, rushed to the scene. The airport was immediately shut down, suspending all flight operations. Authorities worked to contain the blaze and initiate rescue efforts amidst the wreckage. Union Home Minister Amit Shah noted the intensity of the fire due to the burning fuel, which initially reduced chances of survival.

Eyewitness Accounts

Eyewitnesses described a scene of utter chaos and devastation. One woman told ANI news agency that her son jumped from the second floor of the hostel, sustaining injuries, when the plane crashed there. A senior medical student reported that at least 20 medical students were injured when the plane crashed into the hostel premises. Another eyewitness recounted the horrifying scene inside the hostel's dining hall, stating, "The plane crashed in the dining hall of the hostel where people were present. Many of them were injured and taken to hospital."

The Sole Survivor

In what can only be described as a miracle, one passenger, Vishwashkumar Ramesh, a British national seated in 11A, survived the crash. He was quoted by Indian media saying, "Thirty seconds after take-off, there was a loud noise and then the plane crashed. It all happened so quickly." Ramesh, who sustained impact injuries, was near an emergency exit and managed to escape.

Possible Causes Under Investigation

The cause of the crash is currently under investigation by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau. Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu has assured a fair and thorough probe. Several theories have emerged in the immediate aftermath, with experts weighing in on potential factors:

• Engine Failure: Three senior wide-body pilots suggested that the engines might not have generated enough thrust during takeoff. One expert speculated a double engine failure, possibly due to a bird strike.
• Propulsion System Failure: Aviation expert Mirza Faizan suggested issues in the propulsion system, such as engine failure or fuel system problems, as possible causes.
• Wing Flaps: Aviation experts pointed out the position of the plane's wing flaps as it took off may have caused a problem for the plane.
• Landing Gear: There were speculations regarding why the landing gear was not retracted, suggesting a possible hydraulic problem.

Boeing's Response

Boeing expressed condolences and offered full support to Air India and the investigation. The company noted that this was the first incident of its kind for the 787-8 Dreamliner.

Aviation Analyst's View

Aviation expert Julian Bray told Sky News that the pilot managed to make a mayday call before the crash, indicating the crew was aware of a problem.

The Air India crash is a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of aviation safety. The investigation is ongoing, and the world awaits answers to prevent similar tragedies in the future.