Following the tragic crash of Air India flight AI 171 shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad Airport on June 12, 2025, the government has moved swiftly to constitute a high-powered panel to investigate the incident. The London-bound Boeing 787 Dreamliner, carrying 230 passengers and 12 crew members, crashed into a residential area near the airport, resulting in a devastating fire and the loss of 241 lives. One passenger miraculously survived.
The newly formed panel is headed by the Union Home Secretary and comprises experts from various fields, including aviation safety, engineering, and forensics. The panel's primary objective is to determine the exact cause of the crash and identify any lapses in protocol or safety measures that may have contributed to the tragedy. The investigation will be comprehensive, encompassing a review of the aircraft's maintenance records, weather conditions at the time of the flight, air traffic control communications, and the pilots' experience and training.
In addition to the government-appointed panel, the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is also conducting a separate investigation, with assistance from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the UK Air Accidents Investigation Branch. The involvement of international agencies underscores the commitment to a thorough and impartial inquiry.
The recovery of the flight data recorder (black box) from the crash site is a crucial development in the investigation. The data retrieved from the black box is expected to provide valuable insights into the final moments of the flight, including the aircraft's speed, altitude, engine performance, and any technical malfunctions that may have occurred. The Cockpit Voice Recorder will also be analyzed to understand the communication between the pilots and air traffic control.
Several theories have emerged regarding the possible cause of the crash. Preliminary analysis of videos taken moments before the crash suggests a potential dual engine failure. Aviation experts are also considering the possibility of a bird strike, flap issues, or fuel contamination as contributing factors. The fact that the landing gear remained unretracted after takeoff has also raised concerns, as it would have significantly increased drag and reduced the aircraft's ability to gain altitude.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has confirmed that a MAYDAY call was issued by the pilots shortly after takeoff, indicating an emergency situation. The content of the MAYDAY call is being closely examined to ascertain the nature of the problem reported by the pilots.
The investigation is expected to take several months to complete, as investigators meticulously gather and analyze all available evidence. The findings of the investigation will be crucial in preventing similar accidents in the future and ensuring the safety of air travel. In the interim, the DGCA has ordered Air India to conduct additional safety inspections on its Boeing 787 fleet, including power assurance checks, to ensure the airworthiness of its aircraft.
The Air India AI 171 crash is the first fatal accident involving a Boeing 787 Dreamliner. The incident has sent shockwaves through the aviation industry, prompting a renewed focus on safety and maintenance procedures.
