Introduction

The tragic crash of Air India flight AI171 shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025, has shocked the aviation community and the nation alike. Early Air India crash analysis suggests several critical anomalies in the aircraft’s configuration during its initial climb, raising concerns over a possible cascading technical failure. Here’s what a commercial pilot’s first evaluation reveals.

Unusual Aircraft Configuration on Takeoff

Flight visuals indicate that the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner departed with its landing gear extended and flaps fully retracted—an extremely abnormal configuration during takeoff. Typically, flaps are set at 5 or higher for lift, then gradually retracted as the aircraft gains speed and altitude. Landing gear is also retracted within seconds after establishing a positive climb rate.

Flaps Retracted Too Early: A Risky Decision

One possible scenario is that the crew, noticing a failure in retracting the landing gear, made a decision to retract the flaps early in an effort to reduce drag. However, this maneuver is highly risky at low altitude and speed, as it reduces lift and can cause the aircraft to stall prematurely.

Landing Gear Anomaly: Stuck or Re-extended

Visual evidence suggests the gear began retracting but was extended again, possibly in response to a suspected loss of thrust or hydraulic pressure. A stuck landing gear would cause increased drag, severely limiting climb performance. It’s plausible the crew acted under intense pressure to balance lift, speed, and drag under emergency conditions.

Engine Failure Speculation

Analysts have speculated about right rudder input seen during the brief flight, which often correlates with a left engine failure. If true, the combination of gear down, flaps up, and asymmetric thrust would make the aircraft extremely difficult to control. Despite this, the aircraft did not exhibit violent yaw or roll, suggesting the pilots retained some degree of control authority.

Stall Likely Led to Loss of Altitude

The fatal stall occurred at an estimated 600 feet. The combination of insufficient lift and excessive drag likely resulted in an aerodynamic stall. Given the aircraft’s low altitude and slow speed, the crew may not have had the time or space to recover, resulting in catastrophic ground impact.

Investigation Focus: Flight Data and Crew Response

Investigators from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and Boeing will now analyze the Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) to determine Air India crash analysis:

• Whether a hydraulic or electrical failure occurred
• Exact flap and gear positions during the climb phase
• Pilot inputs and emergency decision-making
• Status of both engines throughout the takeoff roll and climb

Mechanical failure, poor visibility, or even unexpected bird strikes are also not ruled out at this stage.

Miracle Amidst Tragedy: One Survivor

Despite the crash claiming over 240 lives, a man seated in 11A miraculously walked away from the wreckage with minor injuries. His account may prove vital in understanding the final seconds before impact Air India crash analysis.

Conclusion

The Air India AI171 crash analysis is in its early stages, but signs point to a possible combination of technical malfunction and critical in-flight decision-making under duress. The final investigation report will determine whether training, systems, or sheer mechanical failure led to this devastating incident.

Stay informed as we update this blog with official findings and expert insights. For more details on Indian aviation trends, visit our Aviation Safety Tracker.

External Reference: India Today: Air India Crash – Pilot’s First Analysis