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air india crash

Ahmedabad, India: The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has released the preliminary report into the crash of Air India’s Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, registration VT-ANB, which occurred on 12 June 2025 shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. The scheduled flight, operating as AI171, was bound for London Gatwick Airport with 230 passengers, 10 cabin crew, and 2 flight crew on board. All 241 persons on board perished in the accident. Additionally, 19 fatalities were reported on the ground. Aircraft and Crew Information The aircraft involved was a Boeing 787-8 with serial number 36279, manufactured in 2013, and operated by Air India. Both engines were General Electric GEnx-1B series units, installed in March and May 2025 respectively. The aircraft had a valid Certificate of Airworthiness and had undergone its last Airworthiness Review on 22 May 2025. The Pilot-in-Command held an ATPL with over 15,638 hours of total flying experience, including 8,596 hours on type. The First Officer held a CPL with 3,403 hours of total flying experience, of which 1,128 hours were on type. Both pilots were based in Mumbai, had arrived in Ahmedabad the previous day, and had met required rest periods. The First Officer was the Pilot Flying for the accident flight. Sequence of Events On 12 June 2025, VT-ANB had earlier operated AI423 from Delhi and landed at Ahmedabad at 05:47 UTC. A post-flight defect regarding “STAB POS XDCR” was logged and addressed by on-duty maintenance personnel before the aircraft was released for its next flight. Flight AI171 was scheduled for departure at 07:40 UTC. The aircraft pushed back from Bay 34 at 07:48 UTC, taxied to Runway 23, and received takeoff clearance at 08:07:33 UTC. The aircraft began its takeoff roll at 08:07:37 UTC. According to data recovered from the Enhanced Airborne Flight Recorder (EAFR), the aircraft reached V1 at 08:08:33 UTC and rotation speed (Vr) at 08:08:35 UTC. It lifted off at 08:08:39 UTC and reached a maximum recorded indicated airspeed of 180 knots at 08:08:42 UTC. At that moment, both engine fuel control switches, first for Engine 1 and then for Engine 2, with a one-second interval transitioned from the “RUN” to the “CUTOFF” position. The data indicated an immediate decrease in N1 and N2 engine speeds, consistent with fuel supply being cut off. Cockpit voice recordings captured a pilot questioning the action, with one asking, “Why did you cut off?” and the other responding that he had not. No further verbal conflict or distress was recorded before the power loss. Power Loss and Emergency Response The sudden loss of thrust from both engines triggered the deployment of the Ram Air Turbine (RAT), visible on CCTV footage from the airport. The RAT began supplying hydraulic power by 08:08:47 UTC, confirming the engines were no longer providing power. At 08:08:52 UTC, the Engine 1 fuel control switch was moved back to “RUN,” followed by Engine 2 at 08:08:56 UTC. The Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) inlet door also began to open at this time, indicating an automatic start sequence. Both engines attempted relight: Engine 1 showed signs of core recovery, while Engine 2 relit but could not stabilize its core speed. At 08:09:05 UTC, a MAYDAY call was transmitted by one of the pilots. No further communication was received. The aircraft lost altitude rapidly and crashed into the BJ Medical College hostel complex approximately 0.9 nautical miles from the end of Runway 23. The impact caused destruction of five buildings and extensive fire damage. All occupants of the aircraft were fatally injured. According to the report, the Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) was not activated during the sequence. Recovery and Wreckage The wreckage was spread across an area of approximately 1000 feet by 400 feet. The vertical stabilizer, main landing gear, fuselage components, both engines, and nose gear were found at various distances from the initial impact point. The thrust levers were discovered near the idle position, though flight data indicated they were forward (takeoff thrust) until impact. The fuel control switches were found in the “RUN” position post-crash. The forward EAFR was successfully recovered and downloaded using equipment supplied by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). It contained approximately 49 hours of flight data and two hours of audio, including the accident flight. The aft EAFR was too severely damaged to retrieve data. Ongoing Investigation The investigation team comprises AAIB India officers, subject matter experts, and international participants from NTSB (USA), Boeing, General Electric, the FAA, and authorities representing nations whose citizens were onboard. As of the preliminary report, there are no recommendations issued to operators or manufacturers of the B787-8 aircraft or GEnx-1B engines. Fuel samples tested from the bowsers and tanks used to refuel the aircraft were found satisfactory. Additional trace samples collected from the APU and refuel/jettison systems are being sent for further testing. Statements from witnesses and the sole surviving passenger have been recorded. Post-mortem analyses are underway to determine any relevant aeromedical findings. The AAIB emphasized that the investigation remains ongoing, and all evidence, including maintenance records, crew history, and system components, will continue to be evaluated.

Cockpit Voice Captures Fuel Cutoff Confusion in Air India AI171 Crash Preliminary Report

Aviation Today News Desk / July 12, 2025

Gujarat, India: The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has released the preliminary report into the crash of Air India’s Boeing […]

New Delhi, India: Indian authorities are intensifying their investigation into the fatal crash of Air India Flight AI171, with officials confirming that sabotage has not been ruled out as a possible cause. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner, operating on the London-Ahmedabad route, crashed on June 12, resulting in the deaths of all 241 people on board and 19 individuals on the ground. The crash is now considered one of the deadliest aviation disasters in India’s recent history. Black Box Data Under Analysis The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) confirmed that the cockpit voice recorder (CVR) and flight data recorder (FDR) were recovered from the wreckage and are currently being analyzed at a newly equipped laboratory in New Delhi. Officials reported that data from both recorders has been successfully downloaded and the process of reconstructing the aircraft’s final moments is underway. The investigation is being carried out with technical assistance from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), aircraft manufacturer Boeing, and engine maker GE Aerospace. All Possible Causes Being Investigated India’s Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Murlidhar Mohol, stated that no potential cause is being ruled out, including mechanical failure, human error, or sabotage. “The government is committed to a transparent investigation. We are examining every angle, including the possibility of sabotage,” Mohol told reporters. Authorities are scrutinizing CCTV footage from the Ahmedabad airport premises and have questioned several ground-handling personnel. Devices, including mobile phones of certain airport staff, have been seized as part of the probe. Investigators are particularly focusing on any activity near the aircraft in the hours leading up to its departure from London and arrival in Ahmedabad. Sabotage Considered, But Not Confirmed While no conclusive evidence of sabotage has yet been found, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has acknowledged that certain anomalies such as a simultaneous failure of both engines are rare and require thorough examination. Deployment of the aircraft’s emergency Ram Air Turbine (RAT) shortly before impact further supports the theory that the aircraft lost all primary engine power. Officials have not disclosed whether any pre-crash communication indicated a technical or security issue. Domestic Handling of Investigation Contrary to earlier speculation, India has decided not to send the black boxes abroad for analysis. According to government officials, all data extraction and analysis are being handled domestically using newly acquired digital forensics infrastructure. India has also declined a request from the United Nations to allow an ICAO-appointed aviation investigator to participate in the probe. The move has drawn both domestic and international attention, with the government assuring that international best practices under ICAO Annex 13 guidelines are being followed. Fleet Inspections and Safety Measures Following the crash, Air India initiated a precautionary inspection of all 33 Boeing 787s in its fleet. As of June 30, 26 aircraft have cleared safety checks, while the remaining seven continue to undergo technical evaluation. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has also issued advisories to all Indian carriers to enhance maintenance checks on wide-body aircraft and reinforce pilot training related to engine-out procedures. Preliminary Report Expected by Mid-July Under ICAO standards, a preliminary report is due within 30 days of the crash. Officials have indicated that the report is on schedule and should be published by mid-July. A final report, which will include a detailed causal analysis and safety recommendations, is expected within three to six months. Until then, the AAIB will continue to lead a multi-agency investigation, supported by central aviation authorities, Gujarat Police, counter-terrorism agencies, and technical teams from international aviation partners. Background Air India Flight AI171 was approaching Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad when it experienced a sudden and complete loss of engine power. The aircraft crashed in a residential area approximately 8 km from the airport claiming 241 of 242 lives on board and 1 survivor. This is the first fatal crash involving a Boeing 787 aircraft in Indian aviation history. The incident has prompted widespread scrutiny of Air India’s operational protocols and the broader state of aviation safety oversight in the country.

Emergency System Likely Deployed, Damaged Black Boxes Hinder Probe Into Air India Crash

Aviation Today News Desk / June 19, 2025

New Delhi, India: The investigation into the fatal crash of Air India Flight AI171 continues to develop, with new details

Gujarat, India: A tragic aviation disaster unfolded on the morning of June 12, 2025, when Air India Flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, crashed just seconds after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad. The flight, which was en route to London Gatwick, carried 242 people, including 230 passengers and 12 crew members. According to a statement released by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, 241 individuals have been confirmed dead, making it one of the deadliest air crashes in Indian civil aviation history. The only confirmed survivor is Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, a British National who was seated in the rear cabin section. He is currently receiving treatment at Civil Hospital, Ahmedabad, and is said to be in stable condition. Authorities confirmed that at least five people on the ground, all believed to be medical students and staff at the nearby BJ Medical College, also lost their lives when the aircraft struck parts of the college complex, including a hostel and a mess building. Airline and Government Response Air India, now a part of the Tata Group, confirmed the crash and has extended its condolences. CEO Campbell Wilson addressed the media later that day, stating that "no speculation will be entertained at this stage" and affirming full cooperation with investigators. He also announced that all affected families will be supported financially and medically, as per international and domestic aviation laws. The airline is reportedly working closely with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and international partners including the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the UK Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB), and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was on a visit to Gujarat at the time, visited the crash site in the afternoon and later met with the survivor and local rescue personnel. In a brief statement, he called the crash “a national tragedy” and assured the public that “no detail will be overlooked” in the forthcoming investigation. Initial Findings and Speculative Theories Preliminary data retrieved from ADS-B trackers indicates that the aircraft reached a maximum altitude of just 625 feet before it began a sharp descent. A brief MAYDAY call was made by the pilots shortly before radio contact was lost. The aircraft came down within 49 seconds of liftoff, indicating what experts describe as a catastrophic systems or performance failure. Authorities have since recovered the Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) from the crash site. Both are being sent to a secure laboratory for analysis under supervision from Indian and international safety investigators. A formal report from the DGCA is expected to be released only after all data is decoded and verified. While the official cause remains unknown, some early speculation has emerged within aviation circles. Multiple former pilots and aircraft engineers, including Alastair Rosenschein and Prof. Ahmed Busnaina, suggest that video footage and eyewitness reports hint at a potential flap or slat misconfiguration. In several verified clips, the aircraft's landing gear remained extended far longer than standard procedures typically allow, and the aircraft appeared to struggle with lift. This has led to the theory that either the flaps failed to deploy correctly or were improperly set for takeoff, both of which can severely impair the 787’s ability to generate adequate lift at low speeds. Others have pointed to the possibility of an engine thrust asymmetry or compressor stall, though this remains speculative. A source close to GE Aerospace, the engine manufacturer for the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, confirmed they have dispatched technical experts to support the investigation but declined to offer comments pending formal findings. Safety Record, Financial Impact and Fleet Review The DGCA has not ruled out any cause, including potential pilot error, though Air India confirmed both pilots had over 8,000 hours of combined flying experience and were recently re-certified on the 787 platform. The aircraft itself had been inducted in 2017 and reportedly underwent scheduled maintenance just 18 days prior to the incident. No outstanding technical complaints were reported in the days leading up to the crash. This marks the first-ever fatal crash of a Boeing 787 aircraft, a type that has logged over a million flight hours globally since its entry into service in 2011. The accident has already triggered scrutiny of Air India’s operational safety standards and the DGCA’s oversight mechanisms. According to industry sources cited by The Guardian, a temporary suspension or audit of all 787 operations in India is under “active consideration,” although no formal announcement has been made. Financially, the accident could become one of the costliest single-aircraft losses in history, with combined insurance claims expected to exceed $1.5 billion, factoring in hull loss, liability coverage, and third-party claims. Ongoing Investigation and Support Efforts As of now, rescue and recovery operations at the site have concluded, and forensic identification of the deceased is ongoing. Compensation procedures are being initiated under the Montreal Convention, and special assistance desks have been established by Air India at both Ahmedabad and London Gatwick. A conclusive statement on the cause of the crash will likely take weeks, if not months. Until then, the focus remains on supporting affected families, securing flight operations, and ensuring a transparent and data-driven investigation.

Airplane Crashes

241 Confirmed Dead in Fatal Air India Flight Crash, British National Only Survivor

Aviation Today News Desk / June 13, 2025

Picture Credits: X Gujarat, India: A tragic aviation disaster unfolded on the morning of June 12, 2025, when Air India

Ahmedabad, Gujarat: An Air India passenger aircraft crashed earlier today near Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad. The aircraft reportedly had over 200 people on board when the incident occurred. While the cause of the crash remains unknown, the incident took place either during landing or shortly after takeoff, according to early eyewitness accounts. Thick black smoke was seen rising from the crash site in the Ghoda Camp area of Meghani Nagar, not far from the airport perimeter. Emergency teams, including fire brigade units and medical responders, were immediately deployed to the scene. Police quickly sealed off the surrounding roads to allow unhindered access for rescue operations. Firefighters worked to control the blaze and secure the wreckage while medical staff prepared to transport any injured individuals. At the time of reporting, there has been no official confirmation regarding injuries or fatalities. Authorities have yet to release details about the specific flight route, aircraft model, or flight number involved. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and Air India are expected to conduct a joint investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash. Local residents reported hearing a loud noise before seeing smoke rising from the area. Videos circulating online show flames and a plume of smoke coming from the crash site, with rescue workers moving swiftly through debris and damaged surroundings. This is a developing story, and further details are expected as officials complete their initial assessment of the crash. Authorities have urged the public to avoid the area and refrain from sharing unverified information online.

Airplane Crashes

Air India Flight With 242 Onboard Crashes After Takeoff From Ahmedabad Airport

Aviation Today News Desk / June 12, 2025

Picture Credits: X Gujarat, India: An Air India passenger aircraft, operating as Flight AI 171, crashed earlier today near Sardar

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