Ahmedabad, June 12, 2025 — Tragedy struck shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport when Air India Flight AI171, bound for London Gatwick, crashed into the grounds of BJ Medical College, killing 279 people.
The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, carrying 230 passengers and 12 crew members, lost power within seconds of liftoff at 1:38 PM local time. The pilots issued a distress call—“Mayday… no power”—just 36 seconds into the flight. The aircraft failed to gain altitude and plummeted into a college hostel building, resulting in the deaths of 241 onboard and 38 people on the ground.
Authorities confirmed that only one passenger survived—40-year-old Vishwash Kumar Ramesh from the UK, seated near an emergency exit. He sustained minor injuries and is currently receiving medical attention.
Black Boxes Recovered, Investigation Underway
A major investigation has been launched involving India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), Boeing, and aviation authorities from the US and UK. Both the Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) have been recovered and sent for analysis.
Investigators are examining the possibility of a dual engine failure or a sudden loss of thrust. Video footage from a nearby surveillance camera reportedly shows the deployment of the Ram Air Turbine (RAT), an emergency backup device, moments before the crash—further indicating a serious systems failure.
Experts are also reviewing whether flap retraction or improper configuration during takeoff could have contributed to the inability to gain altitude.
Community in Mourning
Emergency teams responded swiftly, with trainee doctors and college staff assisting in rescue efforts. Many of the victims on the ground were medical students residing in the hostel. DNA testing is ongoing to identify the deceased, and the government has pledged full support to families.
Among the dead is former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, who was traveling to London for a speaking engagement. His state funeral was held the following day.
Safety Checks and Industry Response
In the wake of the disaster, Air India has grounded several Dreamliners for inspection. Boeing, currently under heightened scrutiny, has scaled down its participation at the Paris Air Show. Aviation safety agencies worldwide are monitoring the investigation closely.
What’s Next
A preliminary accident report is expected in the coming weeks. Authorities emphasize that findings from the black box data will be crucial in determining the exact cause of the crash and preventing future tragedies.
This is one of India’s deadliest aviation disasters in recent history, prompting nationwide mourning and renewed calls for safety reforms in the civil aviation sector.
