Ramesh Bhaliya's journey to Ahmedabad on Father's Day was one filled with unimaginable grief and contrasting emotions. He arrived in the city to claim the remains of his younger son, Ajaykumar, a victim of the devastating Air India AI 171 plane crash. Simultaneously, his elder son, Viswash, miraculously survived the crash, making him the sole survivor amidst the tragic loss of 241 lives.
The Air India Flight 171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner en route to London, crashed shortly after taking off from Ahmedabad's Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on Thursday, June 12, 2025. The aircraft, carrying 230 passengers and 12 crew members, plummeted into a doctors' hostel of BJ Medical College in the Meghani Nagar area, leaving a trail of destruction and despair.
News reports indicate that the final message from the cockpit just before the crash was a chilling "Thrust not achieved... falling... Mayday! Mayday! Mayday!" This message, received by air traffic control (ATC) seconds before all communication ceased, suggests a potential issue with the aircraft's engine power during takeoff.
According to sources familiar with the investigation, the jet was nearing the end of the airport's 3.5km runway, a distance typically requiring 2.5km to 3km for a wide-bodied jet to successfully take off. This extended runway roll has led investigators to consider the possibility of inadequate thrust as a contributing factor to the crash.
The incident has prompted a thorough investigation, with teams of experts focusing on various aspects, including the engine, flaps, and landing gear. The digital flight data recorder, one of the two black boxes, has been recovered from the crash site and is expected to provide crucial insights into the circumstances leading to the tragedy. Investigators are analyzing data related to engine performance and control settings to determine if a loss of engine power or lift occurred after takeoff. While a bird-hit was initially considered, it is not currently a primary focus of the investigation. Anti-terror experts are also involved in the investigation process.
In the wake of the crash, families of the victims have been grappling with immense sorrow and loss. The Christian family in Ahmedabad, for instance, mourns the loss of Lawrence Daniel Christian, who perished in the crash just days after his father's death. Lawrence, who resided in London with his wife due to work commitments, had recently returned to Ahmedabad following his father's demise. His ill-fated journey back to London ended in tragedy, compounding the family's grief.
Another heart-wrenching story involves Arjun Patoliya, who was visiting India to fulfill his late wife Bharti's final wish to be laid to rest in her hometown of Gujarat. Bharti had passed away just over two weeks prior after a courageous battle with cancer. Arjun's death in the Air India crash has left their two young children orphaned.
The sole survivor of the crash, Vishwashkumar Ramesh, a British national of Indian origin, is currently receiving treatment for his injuries.
The Air India plane crash has sent shockwaves through the aviation industry and the global community. As investigations continue and families mourn their loved ones, the focus remains on uncovering the truth behind this tragic event and preventing similar incidents in the future.
