Ahmedabad Air India Flight 2025 Crash | Over 279 Dead, only 1 Survivor as Flight AI171 Crashes Near BJ Medical College

On June 12, 2025, Air India Flight 171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner (registration VT-ANB), tragically crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport.

This incident marks the first fatal crash involving a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner and is considered the deadliest air disaster in India in nearly two decades. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are working to determine the exact cause of the crash.

The Ahmedabad flight was enroute to London Gatwick Airport and was carrying 242 people, including 230 passengers and 12 crew members. All but one passenger perished in the crash, making it the deadliest aviation disaster in India in nearly two decades. Additionally, at least 38 individuals on the ground lost their lives when the aircraft struck a hostel building near B.J. Medical College in the Meghani Nagar area.

🛬 The Crash

The Ahmedabad aircraft took off at approximately 1:38 PM IST. Witnesses reported a loud bang shortly after takeoff, followed by a rapid descent. The Ahmedabad plane crashed into a residential hostel, causing widespread devastation. Emergency responders arrived promptly, but the scale of the disaster overwhelmed local resources. The sole survivor, a 40-year-old British national seated in 11A, recounted the harrowing experience, describing the cabin lights flickering and a sudden bang before the crash

🧩 Investigative Developments

The investigation into the crash is being led by India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), with support from the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB). Preliminary findings suggest that a dual engine failure may have contributed to the crash. Evidence includes the activation of the aircraft’s Ram Air Turbine (RAT), a device that deploys during complete engine power loss to provide emergency electrical and hydraulic power. Additionally, a mayday call from the co-pilot reporting inadequate thrust was recovered. Experts have also noted that the aircraft reached a maximum altitude of 625 feet before descending rapidly.

Further analysis revealed that the aircraft utilized nearly the entire 3,500-meter runway during takeoff, which is more than sufficient under standard conditions. This has led investigators to focus on potential engine-related issues rather than pilot error or external factors.

🧑‍✈️ Human Factors

Captain Rakesh Rai, a seasoned Air India pilot familiar with the aircraft involved, observed that the plane’s undercarriage was not retracted during takeoff. This oversight could have caused excessive drag, hindering the aircraft’s ability to gain altitude. While this may indicate human error, Rai emphasized that the primary focus should remain on the technical aspects of the crash.

🧬 Victim Identification and Compensation

The identification of victims has been a complex process due to the severity of the crash. Authorities have employed advanced DNA analysis techniques to expedite the identification of remains. As of the latest reports, 32 victims have been identified, and 14 families have received the remains of their loved ones. The identification process continues, with many remains still unaccounted for.

In response to the tragedy, Air India and its parent company, Tata Group, have announced compensation packages for the victims’ families. Each deceased passenger’s family is set to receive ₹1 crore, with an additional ₹25 lakh provided to expedite relief efforts. The Indian Medical Association has requested that this compensation be extended to include medical students who were killed or injured in the hostel building.

🏛️ Government Response

P.K. Mishra, the Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, visited Ahmedabad to assess the crash site and meet with victims’ families. He reviewed the DNA verification process at the Forensic Science Laboratory in Gandhinagar and chaired a high-level meeting with central and state government officials to discuss ongoing relief operations and the investigation.

🛫 Aftermath and Policy Changes

In the wake of the disaster, Air India has retired flight numbers AI171 and AI172, renaming the routes as AI159 and AI160, respectively. Additionally, Air India Express has discontinued flight number IX171. These changes are part of the airline’s efforts to move forward and honor the memory of those lost.

Final Thoughts

The crash of Air India Ahmedabad Flight 171 is a devastating event that has left an indelible mark on the aviation community and the nation. As investigations continue, the focus remains on uncovering the root causes of the crash to prevent such tragedies in the future. The resilience of the survivors, the dedication of emergency responders, and the support of the government and the public have been pivotal in the aftermath of this calamity.

For more information: https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/ahmedabad-plane-crash-live-black-box-boeing-787-crash-air-india-pm-modi-tata-aviation-india-news-us-uk-101749859485255.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Refer: https://andarkikhabar.in/