✈️ Incident Overview
On June 12, 2025, Air India Flight AI 171, a Boeing 787‑8 Dreamliner (registration VT-ANB), crashed shortly after taking off from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport en route to London Gatwick with 242 people aboard. It crashed into a hostel building at B.J. Medical College in Meghaninagar, resulting in a devastating 241 fatalities onboard and 28 on the ground!, making it India’s worst aviation disaster in decades. Only one passenger survived.
Table of Contents
Viral Video Clues
- CCTV and Amateur Footage
Videos captured the aircraft taking off at a low altitude, then descending and exploding behind nearby buildings moments later. - Landing Gear’s Strange Position
Experts note the landing gear remained down during the climb, a serious anomaly since it is typically retracted within seconds of takeoff.
Air India Flight Crash In Ahmedabad AI171, A Deep Dive into History’s Worst Air Disasters
Emerging Theories Behind the Crash
Based on preliminary analysis and expert opinions, several probable causes are being investigated:
1. Dual Engine Thrust Failure
- A possible loss of both engines, likely engine flame-out, may explain why the gear stayed down and the aircraft couldn’t climb.
- Experts suggest fuel contamination or blockage as possible reasons.
2. Bird Strike or Drone Ingestion
- A sudden engine failure could have been triggered by bird ingestion, a common hazard near airports.
3. Flap Configuration Error
- Debate exists on whether wing flaps were improperly set—either too retracted, reducing lift, or misplaced for departure.
4. Propulsion/Thrust System Malfunction
- Aviation specialists point toward a failure in propulsion or thrust systems, which would impair the climb rate substantially.
5. Technical System Failures Reported Earlier
- A video from a prior flight showed cabin power and system malfunctions, including broken AC and crew call systems—raising concerns about recurring technical issues.
Official Process & Black Box Investigation
- A Mayday alert was sent approximately 50 seconds after takeoff, just before all communications ceased.
- The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is leading the investigation, with assistance from the NTSB (U.S.) and the UK AAIB.
- The flight data and cockpit voice recorders have been recovered and are being analyzed.
Broader Context & Model-Specific Concerns
- This crash marks the first fatal accident involving the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, raising concerns given its previously strong safety record.
- Public speculation has ignited a debate over engine reliability, fuel system integrity, and the impact of hot climate and urban areas near runways.
What Comes Next
- The full AAIB report, expected within 6–12 months, will detail the crash’s definitive cause.
- In the interim, Boeing, GE Aerospace, and aviation authorities are reviewing maintenance logs, crew procedures, and aircraft design flaws, especially concerning the 787’s propulsion package.
Summary Table
| Suspected Cause | Supporting Evidence |
|---|---|
| Dual Engine Thrust/Power Loss | Mayday call, unretracted gear, videos show descent, expert assessments |
| Bird Strike / Fuel Issues | Video footage shows the gear down unexpectedly, contributing to drag and stall risk |
| Flap/Gear Config Error | Cabin system faults from earlier flights suggest broader maintenance concerns |
| Propulsion System Malfunction | Expert theorising on Boeing 787 engine issues and fuel systems |
| Prevailing Technical Issues | Cabin system faults from earlier flight suggest broader maintenance concerns |
Final Word
Multiple factors—engine thrust loss, gear and flap issues, possible bird ingestion, or fuel system fault—are under scrutiny. Viral footage and recorded anomalies offer critical clues, but official confirmation awaits black-box analysis and AAIB findings.
This tragedy leaves profound human and technical implications. As investigations proceed, authorities worldwide will evaluate safety protocols, training, and aircraft design strategies to prevent future catastrophes.
Sources & References:
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