Following the tragic crash of an Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner in Ahmedabad, India, Boeing has pledged its full support to the ongoing investigation. This marks the first fatal incident involving the 787 Dreamliner since it began commercial service in 2011. The crash, which occurred shortly after takeoff on Thursday, June 12, 2025, claimed the lives of 241 passengers and crew members. One survivor is currently receiving treatment in a local hospital.
Boeing President and CEO Kelly Ortberg has expressed the company's deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of those affected by the tragedy. Ortberg stated that he has spoken with Air India Chairman N. Chandrasekaran to offer Boeing's complete assistance. A dedicated Boeing team is prepared to support the investigation, which will be led by India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB).
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will also be sending a team of U.S. investigators to assist the AAIB. The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has stated that the Indian government will lead the investigation, with the NTSB acting as the official U.S. representative and the FAA providing technical support. U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy confirmed that the FAA is deploying teams to assist alongside the NTSB. The Air Accidents Investigation Branch from the U.K. will also be sending investigators.
The Air India flight AI171, bound for London, crashed approximately 1.5 kilometers (0.9 miles) from the runway at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. According to reports, the aircraft struggled to gain altitude after takeoff. The flight was piloted by Captain Sumeet Sabharwal and Co-pilot Clive Kundar, both highly experienced pilots with over 9,000 combined flying hours. The aircraft was carrying 242 people, including 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, seven Portuguese nationals, and one Canadian.
Initial reports indicate that the plane crashed into a residential area, including a hostel for medical students of the BJ Medical College in Ahmedabad. India's Home Affairs Minister Amit Shah stated that the plane was carrying 100 tonnes of fuel. A hospital official reported that 50 medical students had been admitted, with at least four missing and two in critical condition.
The incident has raised questions about the possible causes of the crash. Aviation experts have noted that the moments after takeoff are often the most challenging in aviation. The sole survivor reported hearing a loud bang as the plane struggled to gain altitude. CCTV footage showed the plane airborne for approximately 30 seconds, reaching a height of 625 feet (190 meters) before descending and crashing.
This crash occurs amidst increased scrutiny of Boeing's safety record. The company has faced investigations and lawsuits following two fatal crashes involving its 737 Max jetliners in 2018 and 2019, which killed 346 people. A January 2024 incident involving a door plug falling off a 737 Max 9 jet operated by Alaska Airlines further fueled safety concerns. In addition, a whistleblower's allegations about assembly defects in the 787 Dreamliner prompted an FAA investigation last year. Engineer Sam Salehpour claimed to have observed shortcuts taken during the assembly process, resulting in drilling debris and deformation of composite material.
Despite these concerns, the 787 Dreamliner has generally had a good safety record. Until this incident, the model was a mainstay of intercontinental travel. The investigation will involve the recovery and analysis of the aircraft's black boxes to determine the cause of the crash. Various theories have been suggested, but the investigation aims to provide a complete picture of the events leading up to the tragedy.
