What Happened to Air India Flight AI171?

What Happened to Air India Flight AI171?

KAKALI DAS

In one of the most tragic incidents in India’s aviation history, an Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner carrying 242 people crashed into the city of Ahmedabad just minutes after take-off. Only one person survived.

The rest – 241 passengers and crew – lost their lives. On the ground, 29 more people died, including five MBBS students who were having lunch in their canteen.

This heart-breaking disaster has shocked the entire country and raised serious concerns about aircraft safety. Authorities have begun investigations, but many questions remain unanswered.

What really happened to Flight AI171?

Air India Flight AI171 took off from Ahmedabad, heading towards London’s Gatwick Airport. Almost immediately after takeoff, the pilots sent out a “Mayday” call – a distress signal that indicates a life-threatening emergency. Seconds later, communication was lost, and the aircraft crashed into a building near a medical college.

The explosion that followed was massive. The plane was carrying 1.25 lakh litres of aviation fuel, which led to a high-temperature blaze. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who visited the site, said it was nearly impossible for anyone to survive due to the intensity of the fire. Yet, miraculously, one passenger in seat 11A walked away alive.

Four days after the crash, DNA testing has identified 87 victims. So far, 47 bodies have been handed over to their families. Many victims were burned beyond recognition, and the testing continues.

On the ground, 29 people were killed. This includes five young medical students who had cleared NEET, secured their medical seats, and were enjoying a regular lunch break in the college canteen. They were full of dreams and hopes, all cut short by this tragic event.

India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is leading the investigation, with support from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). This follows international protocols for such incidents involving American-made aircraft.

Authorities have recovered both the flight data recorder and the cockpit voice recorder – together known as the Black Box. Though called a “Black Box,” it’s actually bright orange or yellow and is built to withstand extreme conditions like explosions and deep-sea pressure. It records crucial flight data and all sounds in the cockpit.

Typically, it takes 10 to 15 days to retrieve and analyse the data from the Black Box. These findings are expected to give clear answers about the last moments of the flight.

Theories and Expert Opinions

Many theories have emerged about what could have gone wrong:

1. Dual Engine Failure

A key theory being considered is that both engines of the aircraft failed shortly after takeoff. This is extremely rare. A Ram Air Turbine (RAT), which is a backup power system, was seen deployed in a video captured by a teenager from a rooftop. RAT only activates when there is total power failure, including both engines. This supports the dual engine failure theory.

According to experts, a message from the pilot before the crash reportedly mentioned, “Thrust not achieved, May Day.” This indicates the aircraft failed to gain proper lift due to engine issues.

2. Electrical Failure

Another possible cause is electrical failure, especially in the systems that control fuel valves and engine operation. If these systems stopped working, the engines might not have received fuel properly, leading to a crash.

3. Fuel Contamination or Faulty Sensors

Some believe the crash might have resulted from contaminated fuel or technical faults in the aircraft’s control system. So far, sabotage or cyber-attacks have not been supported by any evidence.

4. Pilot Error? Unlikely

There has been some online chatter about possible mistakes by the pilots. However, both were highly experienced. Large aircraft like the Boeing 787 have rigorous safety checklists, and blaming the pilots without solid evidence is unfair at this point.

5. Bird Strike and Sabotage Ruled Out

Experts, including retired Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha, have ruled out the possibility of a bird strike. He also dismissed sabotage, urging the public not to jump to conclusions and wait for the final report.

Key Expert Statements

Air Chief Marshal (Retd) Arup Raha stated that the visuals indicate that the plane lost power at a critical time.Fuel contamination or software glitches could be possible causes.Losing power in both engines simultaneously is extremely rare and alarming.The aircraft remained stable during the fall, suggesting simultaneous engine failure.

Captain Steve Schneider, a former U.S. Navy pilot and respected aviation expert, initially suggested four causes: fuel loss, contamination, bird strikes, or flap setting errors. But after seeing the latest video, he now believes the deployed RAT confirms dual engine failure.

Jitendra Bhargava, a former Air India executive director, emphasized that the Boeing 787 has generally had a strong safety record. He advised against speculation until the investigation is complete.

What’s Next?                       

Investigators will now decode data from the cockpit voice recorder and the flight data recorder. These will help reconstruct what happened in the final moments of Flight AI171.

The findings will be submitted to the Indian government and may also be shared with the public, especially the families who have lost loved ones.

Other Recent Aviation Incidents

This crash has come amid a worrying week for Indian aviation:

• June 13: An Air India flight from Phuket to Delhi received a bomb threat and was diverted.
• June 14: A Delhi-Vadodara Air India flight returned to Delhi due to landing issues.
• June 15: An aircraft from Jeddah landed in Lucknow with smoke coming from its wheels.
• Another 787 Dreamliner had to return to Hong Kong airport after a suspected technical fault.

These incidents have raised serious concerns among frequent flyers and the general public. People are starting to question the safety standards of commercial aviation in India.

The crash has deeply affected the nation. It’s not just about this one tragic incident. It’s about how safe our skies are, and how much we can trust airlines and aviation authorities.

Families of victims, aviation experts, and concerned citizens are demanding answers. The investigation must be thorough, transparent, and free of political or corporate pressure.

As citizens, we must continue to ask questions and not let this incident fade from public memory. The lives lost deserve that much.

These incidents have shaken the confidence of many in air travel, especially in India. We hope the ongoing investigations will reveal the truth behind the crash and help prevent such a disaster from happening again.

The nation mourns the loss of over 270 lives – both in the aircraft and on the ground. It is our collective responsibility to demand a safer future for air travel.

18-06-2025

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