Following the tragic crash of Air India flight AI-171 in Ahmedabad, both Air India and AI Express have reportedly decided to discontinue the use of the '171' flight number. This decision is a mark of respect for the victims and their families, and a common practice in the aviation industry after major accidents.
The Air India flight AI-171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, crashed shortly after taking off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad on Thursday, June 12, 2025. The flight was bound for London's Gatwick Airport. The crash resulted in the death of 241 passengers and crew members on board, as well as dozens of people on the ground after the plane crashed into a medical college.
The sole survivor of the crash, Vishwaskumar Ramesh, a 40-year-old British citizen of Indian origin, was seated in 11A. He was hospitalized with non-life threatening injuries.
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau, with assistance from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board and British investigators, has launched an investigation into the crash. The flight data recorder, or black box, was recovered from the crash site, which should provide valuable insights into the circumstances leading up to the accident. Initial reports suggest the plane failed to gain altitude 36 seconds into the flight. A flight simulator expert suggested a serious mechanical failure or power outage disrupted delivery to both engines. The expert highlights how the 'no thrust' message indicated a total loss of engine power mid-air.
India's aviation regulator has ordered Air India to conduct additional safety checks on its Boeing 787-8 and 787-9 aircraft as a preventative measure. These checks include "power assurance checks" to be carried out within two weeks.
The crash has raised concerns about airport safety standards in India. Aviation safety expert Mohan Ranganathan pointed out that many Indian airports do not comply with safety standards regarding obstacles near airports. He noted that the building the plane crashed into was a "serious violation" being too close to the takeoff path.
The incident is one of India's worst aviation disasters in decades.
