The tragic crash of Air India flight AI-171 on June 12, 2025, has prompted a flurry of investigations and responses. The flight, bound for London's Gatwick Airport from Ahmedabad, crashed shortly after takeoff, claiming the lives of 241 of the 242 passengers and crew on board. The sole survivor has been identified as a British national of Indian origin and is currently receiving treatment in a hospital. In addition to the fatalities on the plane, at least eight people on the ground also perished in the accident, including medical students.
According to reports, the Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, registration VT-ANB, was only airborne for approximately 30 seconds. Surveillance video from Ahmedabad's Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport shows the aircraft rotating near the end of Runway 23 and climbing for about 12 seconds. The aircraft then leveled off briefly before entering a steady descent into a residential area roughly one nautical mile from the runway's end. The landing gear remained down throughout the short flight.
Flight tracking data indicates that the aircraft reached a maximum altitude of only 625 feet (190 meters) before beginning its descent at a steep vertical speed of about 475 feet per minute. The final signal from the aircraft was received just seconds after takeoff.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) reported that the pilots issued a mayday call to air traffic control immediately after liftoff, but there was no further communication from the aircraft. Some news outlets have reported that the mayday message indicated "no thrust," but this has not been independently verified. The video evidence does not show any obvious signs of a bird strike or other external factors.
In the wake of the crash, the Indian government has formed a high-level multi-disciplinary committee, led by the Union Home Secretary, to investigate the causes of the accident. The committee will examine existing standard operating procedures (SOPs) and guidelines to prevent similar occurrences in the future and suggest comprehensive improvements. The investigation will cover various factors, including potential mechanical failure, human error, weather conditions, and regulatory compliance. The committee is expected to submit its report within three months.
In addition to the Indian investigation, a team of investigators from the UK Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) has arrived in India to provide support and expertise. The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will also send a team of technical experts, including representatives from the FAA, Boeing, and GE Aviation, to assist in the investigation.
Air India has established dedicated hotlines to assist the families of the victims, and the Tata Group has announced a compensation of ₹1 crore for each deceased passenger's family.
