The crash of Air India flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner en route to London Gatwick, has sent shockwaves through the aviation industry and left the world in mourning. The aircraft, registration VT-ANB, went down shortly after taking off from Ahmedabad's Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on June 12, 2025, claiming the lives of 241 of the 242 people on board. The sole survivor, identified as 40-year-old Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, is currently receiving treatment for his injuries.
Preliminary investigations are underway to determine the cause of the crash. Initial reports suggest that the pilots issued a mayday call just 11 seconds after takeoff, reporting a loss of power. Witnesses on the ground described a harrowing scene as the aircraft struggled to gain altitude before plummeting into a residential area near the airport. The location of the crash, a medical college hostel, resulted in additional casualties on the ground, bringing the total death toll to over 290.
Adding a layer of complexity to the tragedy, details about the aircraft's recent flight history have emerged. According to available data, the ill-fated aircraft had undertaken 19 flights this month alone, including numerous international destinations. Just days before the crash, the same aircraft had flown to Melbourne, Australia, as flight AI308, returning to Delhi before embarking on flights to Tokyo and Paris. This intensive schedule raises questions about potential maintenance concerns and crew fatigue, which will likely be examined as part of the investigation.
The crash of AI171 marks a grim milestone as the first-ever crash of a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, a model that has completed millions of flights since its introduction 14 years ago. While the investigation is in its early stages, aviation experts from India, the US, and the UK are expected to collaborate to determine the cause of the accident. Boeing has also launched its own investigation into the crash.
The tragedy has prompted widespread condolences and support from the international community. Leaders from around the world have expressed their sympathies to the families of the victims and offered assistance to the Indian government. The Indian government has pledged its full support to the families and has launched a multi-agency rescue and investigation effort.
In the wake of the crash, questions are being raised about aviation safety standards and the potential for stricter regulations. While it is too early to draw definitive conclusions, the investigation into the AI171 crash will undoubtedly have far-reaching implications for the aviation industry and may lead to changes in aircraft maintenance, pilot training, and safety protocols.
