Air India crash Flight 171 details
New Delhi, 16.06.25 : On June 12, 2025, Air India Flight AI 171 crashed just seconds after takeoff from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. The Boeing 787‑8 Dreamliner, with registration VT‑ANB, departed at 1:38 PM IST bound for London Gatwick. Around 17–33 seconds into ascent, the jet lost altitude, with CCTV footage showing its tail dipping before it plunged into a building at B.J. Medical College hostel in Meghani Nagar, Ahmedabad .
Tragically, 241 people on board were killed, and at least 38 hostel residents lost their lives, bringing the total death toll to around 279, with 61 injured.
What happened during takeoff
- Flight AI 171 started its takeoff roll and climbed briefly.
- Then, it unexpectedly lost engine thrust and failed to retract landing gear .
- With its flaps possibly misconfigured, the aircraft couldn’t gain lift
- It crashed into the hostel, igniting a massive fireball and plume of black smoke, and flames spread into a medical college area
Investigation and black box discovery
Authorities promptly launched a high-level inquiry:
- India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is leading the probe, supported by experts from the U.S. NTSB, FAA, Boeing, and the UK.
- Investigators recovered the flight data recorder (FDR) on June 13 and, soon after, the cockpit voice recorder (CVR) .
- Preliminary data will examine engine performance, flap settings, landing gear status, and cockpit communications .
Key focus areas of the crash investigation
- Engine thrust loss shortly after liftoff.
- Flap or slat misconfiguration, affecting lift capacity.
- Landing gear remaining extended, impacting aerodynamics.
- Possible maintenance oversight or electronic failure.
- Investigators have largely ruled out bird strike or terror-related causes
Aftermath and regulatory response
- India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) directed mandatory inspections of all Boeing 787‑8/9 Dreamliners in India that use GE GEnx engines .
- Eight of 34 aircraft have been checked; all are undergoing extended surveillance for engine, fuel, and control-system parameters
- The DGCA has not grounded the fleet. However, Boeing and Tata-owned Air India are fully cooperating, promising a detailed panel report within three months.
- Local fire department reports pointed out that site overcrowding delayed rescue efforts, prompting a call for upgraded communications tools like satellite phones for first responders
Human stories and public reaction
Sole survivor’s harrowing story
Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, the only person to survive, described:
“I thought I would die … Everything happened in front of my eyes … I ran. I don’t know how, I don’t know how I came out alive.”
He escaped through a collapsed door, was rescued, and treated—later meeting Prime Minister Modi in hospital .
Victims and families
- Ravi Thakor, a canteen worker, is missing his wife, mother, and daughter—praying for a “second miracle”
- DNA matching so far positively identified 32 victims; many more await confirmation .
Heroic pilot actions
Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, with over 8,200 flight hours, is being hailed for steering the plane away from crowded residential blocks, possibly saving dozens more lives .
Global and celebrity reactions
- Celebs like Vicky Kaushal, R‑Madhavan, and Janhvi Kapoor expressed grief .
- Over 50 British nationals died—the highest UK death toll in a flight disaster since 9/11 .
- Major funerals are ongoing; U.K., India, and global diplomatic outreach continues .
FAQs – Air India crash Flight 171
How many people died in the Air India crash?
About 241 passengers/crew and 38+ hostel residents, for a total near 279 fatalities .
Was there any survivor?
Yes. One passenger, Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, miraculously survived .
What caused the crash?
Investigation is ongoing. Key areas include engine thrust loss, flap misangle, extended landing gear, and maintenance oversight. Black boxes will yield more evidence .
Are Boeing 787 flights still flying?
Yes—Boeing 787 fleet remains operational, while a DGCA‑mandated inspection of Indian 787‑8/9s is underway .
Have black boxes been recovered?
Yes. The flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder were both recovered by mid-June, aiding investigation .
What compensation is offered?
Air India (Tata Group) is offering ₹1 crore per victim, with possible additional aid for injured and infrastructure damages under the Montreal Convention
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