Air India Crash

June 12, 2025, Air India Flight 171, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad, India, en route to London Gatwick.1 This tragic incident has resulted in a devastating loss of life.2

Here's a summary of what's known:

• Casualties: The plane was carrying 230 passengers and 12 crew members. Tragically, 241 people on board were confirmed dead, with only one passenger surviving the crash.3 Additionally, there were casualties on the ground, as the plane crashed into a medical college hostel and other buildings in a densely populated area.4 The total death toll is expected to rise as rescue operations continue.

• Aircraft: The aircraft involved was an 11-year-old Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner.5 This marks the first fatal crash and hull loss involving a Boeing 787 Dreamliner since its introduction in 2011, which has drawn significant attention to the aircraft model.6

• The Crash: The flight departed Ahmedabad Airport at 1:38 PM local time and crashed within minutes of takeoff. Video footage and flight data indicate the plane struggled to gain altitude, briefly reaching around 625 feet before rapidly descending.7 A "Mayday" call was issued from the cockpit shortly after takeoff.8

• Cause Under Investigation: The cause of the crash is not yet clear. India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau is leading the investigation, with assistance from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The black boxes (flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder) have been recovered.9

• Speculation and Concerns:

  • Some aviation experts have noted from preliminary videos that the plane appeared to have its landing gear down and flaps up at a time when they should have been retracted, which could suggest an aerodynamic issue affecting its ability to maintain flight.

  • There's also speculation about a possible double engine failure or bird strike, though these are currently unconfirmed.10

  • The incident has also refueled scrutiny of Boeing, which has faced significant safety and quality control issues with other aircraft models (like the 737 MAX) in recent years, though the 787 Dreamliner had an excellent safety record until now.11

• Sole Survivor: A British national of Indian origin, sitting in seat 11A, is the sole survivor from the plane.12 He was reportedly thrown from the aircraft and managed to walk to an ambulance.13

• Air India's Response: Air India and its parent company, Tata Sons, have expressed deep sorrow and are focusing on supporting the victims' families.14 Tata Sons has announced compensation for the families of those who lost their lives.15

This is an ongoing investigation, and more details will emerge as authorities analyze the black box data and other evidence.