The aviation community is in mourning following the crash of Air India flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner en route from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick. The aircraft, carrying 242 passengers and crew, crashed shortly after takeoff on Thursday, June 12, 2025. While the official investigation is underway, initial details surrounding the tragic mayday call and the experienced pilots at the helm have emerged.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) confirmed that Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, a seasoned pilot with 8,200 hours of flying experience, commanded the flight. First Officer Clive Kundar, with 1,100 hours logged, served as the co-pilot. Shortly after lifting off from runway 23 at 1:39 PM local time, the crew issued a "Mayday" call to air traffic control (ATC). This distress signal, used internationally, indicates a life-threatening emergency. Sadly, no further communication was received from the aircraft.
According to reports, the aircraft reached an altitude of approximately 625 to 825 feet before it began to descend. A 17-second video circulating online shows the plane crashing into a residential area near Meghaninagar, close to the airport perimeter. The impact resulted in a devastating scene, with thick black smoke billowing from the crash site. Early reports indicate the plane crashed near a medical student's hostel and canteen.
Emergency services, including at least two dozen ambulances, were immediately dispatched to the scene. The Indian Army and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams joined local authorities in securing the area and conducting rescue operations. The airport was temporarily shut down, causing widespread disruptions for travelers.
Air India has confirmed the tragic loss of life, stating that 241 of the 242 passengers and crew on board perished in the crash. Only one survivor has been found and is currently receiving medical treatment. Among the passengers were 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, one Canadian national, and seven Portuguese citizens.
The focus now shifts to determining the cause of the crash. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau, under the DGCA, will lead the investigation. Key evidence will come from the aircraft's black boxes – the flight data recorder (FDR) and the cockpit voice recorder (CVR). The CVR is expected to contain the "Mayday" call and any other communications between the pilots and ATC, offering crucial insights into the events leading up to the tragedy. Experts are weighing in on potential causes, ranging from mechanical failure to adverse weather conditions or pilot distress. One theory being considered is a possible bird strike, which could have prevented the plane from achieving the optimum speed for takeoff.
Air India and the Tata Group, the airline's owner, have expressed their deepest condolences to the families of the victims. Air India has established a dedicated passenger hotline (1800 5691 444) to provide information and support. The Tata Group has announced that it will provide 1 crore rupees (approximately £86,000) to the families of each person killed in the crash.
