What Caused the Ahmedabad Plane Crash? | Air India AI 171 Full Report
✈️ What Caused the Ahmedabad Plane Crash? | Air India AI 171 Tragedy Explained
On June 12, 2025, tragedy struck when Air India Flight AI 171, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner bound for London, crashed just minutes after takeoff from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. With 241 lives lost, including 12 brave crew members, it marks one of India’s deadliest aviation disasters.
 |
As the nation mourns, aviation authorities have begun piecing together what went wrong. Here’s a detailed look at the possible causes and findings so far.
🕵️ Preliminary Cause: Bird Strike Suspected
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and Air Accidents Investigation Bureau (AAIB) have stated that a massive bird strike likely caused an engine failure during takeoff. Investigators found bird remains (bio-material) inside one of the two engines, and black box data revealed:
-
A loud thud was recorded just after takeoff.
-
Engine 1 lost thrust within 40 seconds of takeoff.
-
The crew attempted a return but the aircraft stalled and crashed into a residential colony.
🧠 Human Error or Technical Fault?
As of June 2025, no evidence suggests pilot error. The cockpit voice recorder (CVR) and flight data recorder (FDR) show:
-
The pilots were calm and followed emergency procedures.
-
Captain Sumeet Sabharwal issued a “Mayday” call within 90 seconds of takeoff.
-
Co-pilot Clive Kunder attempted to switch to single-engine mode, but the plane had already lost lift.
There is no indication of a mechanical fault prior to takeoff. The aircraft passed routine inspections just 48 hours earlier in Delhi.
🌧️ Weather Conditions Were Normal
Unlike many past crashes, weather was not a contributing factor. Skies were clear, visibility was above 10 km, and wind speeds were light.
📍 Crash Site & Damage
The plane crashed into the Motera residential zone, destroying over 30 houses. 15 civilians were injured on the ground, but none critically.
Authorities praised the pilots for diverting away from a school zone, potentially preventing an even greater tragedy.
📝 Official Statement from DGCA
“Initial investigation indicates ingestion of large birds into Engine 1, resulting in power loss. We are collaborating with Boeing and GE (engine manufacturer) to examine internal damage.”
— DGCA Spokesperson, June 14, 2025
🛑 Why Was the Aircraft Not Able to Land?
The Boeing 787 can fly on one engine, but:
-
The angle of attack increased rapidly, leading to a stall.
-
Flaps and slats failed to deploy correctly during the emergency maneuver.
-
The aircraft was too low and too heavy to glide back.
⚠️ Lessons from AI 171: How Can Future Crashes Be Prevented?
-
Bird Management: Airports near wetlands or garbage zones must deploy bird detection radar systems.
-
Pilot Training: More real-world simulations for dual emergencies (e.g., engine failure + stall).
-
Emergency Communication: Faster ATC response and AI-based aircraft fault detection could improve survival chances.
🙏 Final Thoughts
The crash of AI 171 has shaken the nation. As investigations continue, it serves as a painful reminder of how even small factors—like a flock of birds—can lead to massive tragedies. Air India, DGCA, and international aviation authorities must act swiftly to enhance safety and prevent such disasters in the future.
Comments