On June 12, 2025, Air India Flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner en route from Ahmedabad to London, tragically crashed shortly after takeoff, resulting in the deaths of 279 individuals, including 241 passengers and crew members, and 28 people on the ground. The aircraft collided with a residential building in the Meghani Nagar area, leading to a catastrophic explosion and fire.
Latest Updates on the Crash Investigation
Preliminary Findings
Investigations into the cause of the crash are ongoing, with several potential factors under scrutiny:
- Pilot Error: Aviation experts suggest that the co-pilot may have mistakenly retracted the wing flaps instead of the landing gear during takeoff, leading to a loss of lift and subsequent crash.
- Mechanical Issues: The aircraft’s flight data recorder indicates that the landing gear remained extended throughout the brief flight, which could have contributed to the inability to gain proper altitude.
- Engine Performance: There are indications of possible engine thrust problems during takeoff, which may have played a role in the aircraft’s failure to ascend.
- Electrical Failures: Survivor accounts mention flickering cabin lights and other electrical anomalies moments before the crash, suggesting potential electrical system failures.
- Sabotage Theories: Some officials have raised concerns about the possibility of a cyber-attack or sabotage, though no concrete evidence has been presented to support these claims.
Recovery and Investigation Efforts
The flight data recorder has been recovered and is being analyzed by Indian authorities, with assistance from international experts. The cockpit voice recorder remains missing. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has ordered enhanced safety inspections of all Air India Boeing 787 aircraft powered by GEnx engines.
Compensation and Support
Air India has announced an additional compensation of ₹25 lakh to the families of the victims, supplementing the ₹1 crore support previously declared by Tata Sons.
