In the wake of the tragic Air India AI-171 crash in Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025, which claimed the lives of 260 people, another Air India flight, AI 187, a Boeing 777, experienced a concerning incident shortly after takeoff from Delhi. The flight, bound for Vienna, encountered a stall warning, a ground proximity warning, and a "don't sink" caution within 38 hours of the AI-171 crash.
According to reports, the AI 187 Boeing 777 (VT-ALJ) took off from Delhi at 2:56 am on June 14 amidst thunderstorm conditions. Immediately after takeoff, the aircraft's systems triggered a stall warning and the Ground Proximity Warning System (GPWS) issued a "don't sink" caution, indicating a potential loss of altitude. The crew experienced an altitude loss of approximately 900 feet during the climb. Fortunately, the pilots responded effectively, recovering the aircraft and continuing the flight safely to Vienna. The flight landed safely in Vienna after 9 hours and 8 minutes.
A "stick shaker" warning, which involves the control column shaking and making noise to alert pilots to an urgent situation, also occurred.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched an investigation into the incident and has removed both pilots from flying duty pending the outcome. Air India's head of safety has also been summoned for questioning.
This near-miss occurred shortly after the fatal crash of Air India Flight AI-171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, which crashed in Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025. The AI-171 flight crashed shortly after taking off from Ahmedabad Airport at 1:39 PM IST, impacting a hostel block of B. J. Medical College. All but one of the 242 people on board perished, along with 19 people on the ground. The crash is currently under investigation by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), with the possibility of sabotage being examined. The flight recorders, or "black boxes," have been recovered and are being analyzed in Delhi. The investigation team includes experts from the Indian Air Force, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), Boeing, and General Electric.
The AI-171 accident marked the first fatal crash of a Boeing 787 Dreamliner. Initial speculation regarding the crash pointed to a possible configuration error during takeoff, such as incorrect flap settings or insufficient thrust, compounded by high temperatures that reduced lift and engine efficiency. Aviation expert Captain Steve suggested that the co-pilot may have mistakenly retracted the flaps instead of the landing gear, leading to a loss of lift and a power-on stall.
The two incidents have raised concerns about the safety of Air India flights and the potential for systemic issues. It remains to be seen what the investigations into both incidents will reveal and what steps will be taken to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
