On June 12, 2025, India faced a terrible tragedy when Air India Flight AI171 crashed in Ahmedabad just after take-off, killing 241 of the 242 people on the plane and at least 30 people on the ground. This was the worst plane crash in India since 1996 and the first time a Boeing 787 Dreamliner has ever crashed. Experts from around the world are now working together to find out why this happened. Here’s a simple breakdown of the investigation and what’s going on.
What Happened in the Crash?
Flight AI171 was an Air India plane flying from Ahmedabad to London with 230 passengers and 12 crew members, including people from India, the UK, Portugal, and Canada. It took off at 1:38 p.m. but, within 30 seconds, the pilots sent a distress call (Mayday) and lost contact. The plane crashed into a neighbourhood called Meghani Nagar, hitting a hostel for doctors at B.J. Medical College. The plane was full of fuel, so it caused a huge explosion and fire. Only one person, Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, a British man sitting near an emergency exit, survived and is in the hospital.
The crash killed 241 people on the plane, including former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, and 30–35 people on the ground, like medical students. This makes it one of the deadliest plane crashes in years, with a total death toll of 265–290.
Who’s Investigating the Crash?
India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is leading the effort to find out what went wrong. Because 53 British people died and the plane was made in the U.S., experts from other countries are helping:
- United States: The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and Boeing, which made the plane, are part of the team. Boeing’s boss, Kelly Ortberg, is working closely with Air India.
- United Kingdom: The UK’s Air Accidents Investigation Branch is helping because of the British victims.
- GE Aerospace: They made the plane’s engines and are checking if something went wrong with them.
- India: The government’s aviation team (DGCA) and forensic experts are also involved, with a special committee to make sure everything runs smoothly.
This big team shows how serious the crash is, especially since the Boeing 787 has never had a fatal crash before.
What Have They Found So Far?
The investigation is just starting, but here’s what we know:
- Black Box: They found one of the plane’s black boxes, which records flight data or pilot conversations. It’s being studied in a lab in Delhi. The second black box is still missing, which makes things harder.
- Video and Data: Security cameras showed the plane struggling to fly higher, and its landing gear was still down, which isn’t normal. Flight tracking showed it only reached 625 feet before crashing. This suggests something went wrong right after takeoff.
- Possible Causes: Experts are looking at things like both engines failing, a bird hitting the plane, bad fuel, or problems with the plane’s flaps or landing gear. The pilots tried to lift the plane’s nose to avoid crashing, but it didn’t work.
- Plane’s History: The team is checking if the plane had problems before. Some posts on X mentioned it was grounded earlier, but this isn’t confirmed yet.
The crash site is in a busy area, and the fire destroyed a lot of evidence, so it’s tough to find clues. They’re also using DNA tests to identify victims because the crash was so bad.
Why This Crash Is a Big Deal
This crash matters for a few reasons:
- Boeing 787’s First Crash: The 787 is a popular plane used by airlines worldwide. If something was wrong with it, it could affect other planes and Boeing’s reputation.
- India’s Growing Airports: India’s air travel is booming, so this crash raises questions about safety, maintenance, and airports near crowded areas.
- Trust in Flying: With other plane crashes in 2025, people want to know flying is safe. The investigation’s results will help rebuild trust.
The findings could lead to new safety rules, changes in how planes are checked, or better pilot training.
What Happens Next?
The investigation will take time, but here’s what’s coming:
- Finding the second black box to get more details.
- Checking the plane’s engines and parts, if they can be found.
- Talking to air traffic controllers and maintenance workers.
- Using computers to recreate what happened during the flight.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the crash site and the survivor, promising to support the investigation. Air India is giving ₹1 crore ($116,000) to each victim’s family and has set up help centres in Ahmedabad, Delhi, Mumbai, and London.
Waiting for Answers
As rescue work ends and experts keep searching, everyone is hoping for answers. The survivor might share what he saw once he’s better, which could help. For the families of the 241 people on the plane, including Vijay Rupani, and the 30–35 people on the ground, this investigation is about finding peace.
Can these experts figure out why Flight AI171 crashed? Their work will honor the victims and help make flying safer. We’ll keep you updated as new information comes in.
Last Updated on: Friday, June 13, 2025 12:18 pm by K Nikhil | Published by: K Nikhil on Friday, June 13, 2025 11:58 am | News Categories: India
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