The history of Air India, while marked by significant milestones in Indian aviation, is also shadowed by a series of tragic accidents. The recent crash of Air India Flight 171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, on June 12, 2025, near Ahmedabad, India, is a stark reminder of the ever-present risks in air travel. This incident, which claimed the lives of 241 passengers and crew, along with 29 people on the ground, is just one in a series of unfortunate events that have plagued the airline throughout its history. While the causes of these accidents vary, a recurring theme emerges: human error.
Air India's tryst with fatal incidents dates back decades. One of the most notable tragedies is the bombing of Air India Flight 182 "Emperor Kanishka" in 1985. The flight disintegrated over the Atlantic Ocean due to a bomb planted by Canadian Sikh terrorists, killing all 329 people on board. This act of terror remains the deadliest aviation incident in Air India's history and the worst terrorist attack in Canadian history.
Other significant crashes include Air India Flight 855 in 1978, where all 213 people on board perished when the captain became spatially disoriented after instrument failure. In 2010, Air India Express Flight 812 overshot the runway in Mangalore, resulting in 158 fatalities. Similarly, Air India Express Flight 1344 crashed in Kozhikode in 2020, claiming 21 lives. These incidents, along with others like the 1947 Korangi Creek crash and the 1982 Air India Flight 403 crash, paint a grim picture of the challenges faced by the airline.
While technical failures and external factors like weather and terrorism have played a role in some of these disasters, a significant number point towards human error as a contributing factor. This can manifest in various forms, from pilot disorientation and misjudgment to errors in maintenance and procedural lapses.
In the recent Air India Flight 171 crash, investigations are still underway to determine the exact cause. However, initial speculation suggests a range of possibilities, including mechanical issues, bird strikes, pilot error, or even a malicious act. One theory even points to a possible error by the co-pilot, who may have inadvertently retracted the flaps instead of the landing gear.
The aftermath of these crashes extends beyond the immediate loss of life and the emotional toll on the families of the victims. They also have significant financial implications. The Air India Flight 171 crash, for instance, has triggered an insurance claim estimated at around $475 million, one of the largest in Indian aviation history. This will likely lead to increased insurance costs for airlines in India and impact the global aviation insurance market.
In light of these recurring tragedies, it is crucial to address the issue of human error in aviation safety. This requires a multi-faceted approach, including enhanced pilot training, improved crew resource management, stricter adherence to safety protocols, and investments in advanced technologies to mitigate the risk of human error. Furthermore, transparent investigations and thorough analysis of past accidents are essential to identify systemic issues and implement corrective measures.
The recent Air India Flight 171 crash serves as a somber reminder of the importance of prioritizing safety in aviation. While flying remains one of the safest modes of transport, continuous efforts are needed to minimize the risk of human error and prevent future tragedies.
