Air India Flight AI-171 Crashes in Ahmedabad, Killing 241.
Plane Crash: On June 12, 2025, Air India flight AI-171 crashed in Ahmedabad, India, causing a nationwide shock. The incident occurred minutes after takeoff, with the aircraft impacting a medical hostel complex. Initial reports from the government and the Ministry of Civil Aviation have revealed significant details.
Aircraft Lost Altitude Immediately After Takeoff
Civil Aviation Secretary Samir Kumar Sinha stated that Air India flight AI-171 departed Ahmedabad airport at 1:38 PM. After takeoff, the aircraft reached only 650 feet before the pilot issued a "Mayday" call and the plane rapidly lost altitude. Within a minute, it crashed into a medical hostel in the Meghaninagar area of the city.
No Prior Technical Malfunction Reported
Sinha clarified that the aircraft had completed a Paris-Delhi-Ahmedabad route prior to the accident without reporting any technical issues. All aircraft systems were reportedly functioning normally. This raises questions about the cause of the immediate post-takeoff crash.
Lives Changed in a Minute
The flight carried 242 people; 241 perished at the scene. Only one passenger survived the tragic accident. The crash caused chaos at the hostel complex, resulting in over 20 additional fatalities. The impact was severe, with parts of the aircraft penetrating the hostel building.
"Mayday" Signal One Minute After Takeoff
Upon encountering the unusual situation, the pilot sent a "Mayday" signal to Air Traffic Control (ATC) at 1:39 PM. A "Mayday" call signifies a serious technical or operational emergency requiring immediate assistance. However, the pilot did not have the opportunity to recover, and the aircraft plunged to the ground.
High-Level Committee Formed for Investigation
Given the severity of the accident, the central government established a high-level committee. The committee, chaired by the Home Secretary, comprises joint secretary-level officials from the central and state governments. It is mandated to submit its report within three months.
The committee's investigation will encompass:
- The root cause of the accident
- Review of existing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
- Measures to prevent similar accidents in the future
Comprehensive Inspection of Dreamliner Aircraft Underway
Following instructions from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), all Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft in Air India's fleet are undergoing inspection. India has 34 Dreamliners; 8 have been inspected so far. The aircraft involved in the accident was also a Dreamliner.
Minister Expresses Grief
During a press conference, Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu expressed deep sorrow over the accident. He shared his personal experience of losing his father in a road accident, conveying his understanding of the suffering of the bereaved families. He assured the public that the government stands with the victims and that those responsible will not be spared.
