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On June 12, 2025, the city of Ahmedabad witnessed one of the most catastrophic aviation disasters in Indian history. Air India Flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner bound for London Gatwick, crashed shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, resulting in the loss of hundreds of lives and leaving the nation in profound grief. This blog explores the timeline of events, the immediate aftermath, the ongoing investigation, and the broader implications for aviation safety in India.
Flight AI171 was scheduled to depart from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick at 1:39 p.m. local time. The aircraft, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner with the registration number VT-ANB, carried 242 passengers and crew members, including 217 adults and 11 children, representing a diverse group of nationalities: 169 Indians, 43 Britons, 7 Portuguese, and 1 Canadian. The flight was loaded with approximately 125,000 liters of aviation fuel, which would later contribute to the intensity of the post-crash fire79.
Weather conditions at the time were stable, with clear visibility and temperatures within operational limits. There were no requests for runway changes, thrust modifications, or flap adjustments before takeoff, and no prior warnings were issued by the flight crew or air traffic control15.
As the aircraft commenced its takeoff roll on runway 23, it soon became apparent that something was amiss. The Dreamliner, which typically requires between 2.5 and 3 kilometers of runway for takeoff, used up nearly the entire 3.5-kilometer stretch before lifting off—an unusually long takeoff roll that immediately raised concerns among aviation experts15. The lack of sufficient thrust became evident as the aircraft struggled to gain altitude.
Just 17 seconds into the flight, the aircraft began to descend. Moments later, the cockpit transmitted a chilling distress call: “Thrust not achieved… falling… Mayday! Mayday! Mayday!” This was the last communication received from the flight before it plunged into the BJ Medical College hostel, erupting into a massive fireball fueled by the plane’s full fuel load156.
The impact and subsequent fire were devastating. The aircraft crashed into a densely populated residential area adjacent to the airport, causing widespread destruction and loss of life both on board and on the ground79. Rescue operations commenced immediately, with emergency teams working tirelessly to extinguish the blaze and recover victims.
Initial reports indicated that all but one of the 242 passengers and crew on board perished in the crash. Additionally, at least two dozen people on the ground lost their lives, with many more injured79. The sole survivor, 40-year-old Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, was rushed to Civil Hospital in Ahmedabad, where he is reportedly recovering well and is expected to be discharged soon7.
The scale of the tragedy made victim identification a monumental task. Most of the bodies recovered from the crash site were severely charred or mutilated, necessitating DNA testing to confirm identities7810. Local authorities have been working around the clock to collect DNA samples from grieving relatives and match them with the remains. The process is expected to take up to 72 hours for each sample, and as of June 14, 2025, at least 270 bodies had been recovered7.
Among the victims were not only passengers and crew but also residents of the BJ Medical College hostel and surrounding neighborhoods. Nearly ten bodies not belonging to passengers had already been returned to their families after identification efforts7.
The investigation into the cause of the crash is being led by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) of India, in accordance with international standards established by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)810. Within 28 hours of the crash, the flight data recorder (commonly known as the black box) was recovered from the wreckage10. The cockpit voice recorder was also found shortly thereafter, providing crucial evidence for investigators3.
A team of experts from Boeing, the United States, and other international agencies has been called in to assist with the investigation48. The focus of the probe is on the unusually long takeoff roll and the pilot’s distress call indicating a lack of thrust. Early assessments suggest that inadequate engine thrust or possible flap configuration issues may have contributed to the delayed lift-off and subsequent crash15.
The crash has left the nation in shock and mourning. Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the tragedy as “heartbreaking beyond words” and expressed his condolences to the families of the victims. He assured the public that all necessary support was being provided to those affected and that coordinated efforts were underway for rescue and relief operations69.
Families of the victims have gathered at Civil Hospital in Ahmedabad, waiting anxiously for news of their loved ones. The slow process of DNA identification has added to their anguish, but authorities are doing their best to provide support and updates7810.
The story of Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, the lone survivor, has provided a glimmer of hope amid the devastation. His survival against all odds is being closely monitored by medical professionals, and his recovery is seen as a small miracle in the face of such overwhelming loss7.
Thrust is the forward force generated by an aircraft’s engines, essential for overcoming drag and achieving the speed required for takeoff. If full thrust is not achieved, the aircraft may not gain enough speed to become airborne safely. In the case of AI171, the pilot’s distress call—“Thrust not achieved… falling… Mayday! Mayday! Mayday!”—indicates that the engines failed to produce the necessary force for a safe takeoff5.
Aviation experts have noted that the unusually long takeoff roll is a strong indicator of insufficient thrust. The fact that the aircraft used nearly the entire 3.5-kilometer runway, significantly more than the typical 2.5 to 3 kilometers required for a Dreamliner, suggests that the engines were not performing as expected15.
While the investigation is ongoing, several potential causes are being considered:
Engine Malfunction: A failure or underperformance of one or both engines could have resulted in insufficient thrust.
Flap Configuration Issues: Incorrect flap settings can affect lift and takeoff performance. However, there were no official reports of flap adjustments or changes to engine settings before takeoff1.
Weight and Balance: Improper loading or weight distribution could have contributed to the problem, but this is considered less likely given standard procedures.
Pilot Error or System Failures: Human error or failures in automated systems are also being examined, though no evidence has yet emerged to support this.
The recovery of both the flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder is critical to understanding the sequence of events leading up to the crash. These devices will provide investigators with detailed information about the aircraft’s performance, pilot communications, and any system anomalies3810.
The Air India Ahmedabad crash is a stark reminder of the importance of rigorous safety protocols and continuous improvement in aviation. The incident has rekindled concerns about Boeing’s Dreamliner series, which has faced scrutiny in the past over technical issues and safety concerns59.
The tragedy also highlights the need for:
Enhanced Engine Monitoring: Real-time monitoring of engine performance could help detect issues before takeoff.
Improved Pilot Training: Ensuring that pilots are trained to recognize and respond to thrust-related emergencies is essential.
Better Runway Safety Measures: Longer runways and improved safety margins could provide additional time for pilots to abort takeoff in case of emergencies.
The involvement of international experts in the investigation underscores the global nature of aviation safety. Collaboration between Indian authorities, Boeing, and other international agencies will be crucial in identifying the root cause of the crash and implementing corrective measures48.
The investigation into the Air India Ahmedabad crash is expected to take several months. The analysis of black box data, engine performance, and cockpit communications will be central to determining the cause of the tragedy3810.
The Indian government and Air India have pledged to provide all necessary support to the families of the victims. Compensation, counseling, and assistance with identification and repatriation of remains are being prioritized67.
The crash has shaken public confidence in air travel, particularly in India, where aviation safety has seen significant improvements in recent years. Restoring trust will require transparency, accountability, and a commitment to learning from this tragedy.
The Air India Ahmedabad crash is a profound tragedy that has touched the lives of hundreds of families and left an indelible mark on the nation. As the investigation continues, the aviation industry must reflect on the lessons learned and take decisive action to prevent such disasters in the future. The memory of those lost will serve as a reminder of the importance of safety, vigilance, and compassion in the world of aviation.
The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner is a modern, fuel-efficient wide-body jetliner known for its advanced technology and comfort. It has been widely adopted by airlines around the world, including Air India, for long-haul international routes. Despite its reputation for reliability, the Dreamliner has faced technical challenges in the past, including issues with batteries and electrical systems9.
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport is the primary airport serving Ahmedabad and the state of Gujarat. It features a 3.5-kilometer runway, which is considered adequate for large aircraft like the Dreamliner. The airport was immediately shut down following the crash, disrupting air travel in the region69.
The crash has had significant repercussions for Boeing, with its shares dropping sharply in the aftermath. The company is under intense scrutiny, and the outcome of the investigation could have far-reaching implications for its reputation and future operations9.
Advancements in aviation technology, such as real-time data monitoring and predictive maintenance, could help prevent similar incidents in the future. The industry must continue to invest in innovation and safety to protect passengers and crew.
The Air India Ahmedabad crash is a tragedy of unprecedented scale, but it also serves as a call to action for the global aviation community. By learning from this disaster, honoring the memory of those lost, and implementing meaningful changes, we can work toward a safer future for air travel.
The unusually long take-off roll experienced by the Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner in Ahmedabad is most strongly linked to a failure to achieve sufficient thrust from the aircraft’s engines. The pilot’s distress call—“Thrust not achieved… falling… Mayday!”—indicates that the engines did not produce the force necessary for a safe takeoff, forcing the aircraft to use nearly the entire 3.5-kilometer runway, far more than the typical 2.5 to 3 kilometers required for such a wide-body jet345.
Several factors could have contributed to this scenario:
Engine Failure or Underperformance: The most direct explanation is that one or both engines failed to deliver the required thrust, possibly due to technical malfunction, bird strike, or contaminated fuel612.
Flap Configuration Issues: If the wing flaps were not correctly extended for takeoff, the aircraft would have struggled to generate enough lift at lower speeds, especially given the high ambient temperature of about 40°C, which further reduces air density and increases the required takeoff speed126. However, standard procedures and warning systems should alert the crew to such errors, making this less likely unless there was a concurrent system or human failure.
Landing Gear Issues: Visual evidence suggested the landing gear remained extended longer than usual, which increases drag and can compound problems if thrust is already insufficient27. The crew may have attempted to retract flaps early to compensate, but this would reduce lift and increase the risk of stall at low altitude2.
Environmental Factors: The high temperature on the day would have required higher engine thrust and possibly higher flap settings, but weather alone does not explain the extreme length of the takeoff roll16.
Ultimately, the investigation is focusing on whether the root cause was a technical failure (such as engine malfunction), a configuration error (like incorrect flap or gear settings), or a combination of both. The analysis of black box data is expected to provide definitive answers356.
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