Incident Summary
On June 12, 2025, Air India Flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8
Dreamliner, tragically crashed shortly after taking off from Sardar Vallabhbhai
Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad. The aircraft was en route to London
Gatwick Airport and was carrying 242 individuals, including 230 passengers and
12 crew members. The crash occurred approximately 30 seconds after takeoff,
impacting a hostel block of B.J. Medical College in the Meghani Nagar area of
Ahmedabad.
Flight Crew
The flight was piloted by a very senior piloted Captain Sumeet
Sabharwal, who had accumulated over 8,200 flight hours, and First Officer Clive
Kundar, with 1,100 flight hours. Both were experienced aviators with extensive
training in emergency and long-haul operations. Following takeoff, the cockpit
crew issued a MAYDAY call but subsequently lost communication with air traffic
control.
Survivor Account
Among the 242 individuals on board, only one passenger
survived the crash. Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, a 40-year-old British national, was
seated in 11A and recounted hearing a loud noise shortly after takeoff before
the plane crashed. He described waking up amidst debris and bodies, finding
himself miraculously unharmed.
Casualties and Ground Impact
The crash resulted in the deaths of 241 people on board,
with 28 fatalities reported on the ground, including students and staff at the
medical college. Additionally, 60 individuals sustained injuries, many of whom
were hospitalized for treatment.
Aircraft Details
The aircraft involved, VT-ANB, was an 11-year-old Boeing 787-8
Dreamliner, having logged approximately 41,700 flight hours over 7,800 flights.
This incident marks the first fatal crash and hull loss involving the Boeing
787 Dreamliner.
Investigation Status
Indian authorities, including the Aircraft Accident Investigation
Bureau, are leading the investigation into the cause of the crash. Preliminary
reports suggest a possible bird strike during takeoff, which may have led to a
loss of engine thrust and compromised the aircraft's climb performance. However,
the investigation is ongoing, and no official cause has been confirmed.
Global Reactions
The tragedy has elicited condolences from leaders worldwide. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer expressed their sorrow and solidarity with the victims' families. The incident has also drawn attention to aviation safety protocols and the need for enhanced measures to prevent such disasters.