Introduction
The Air India crash investigation into Flight 171 is gaining momentum after the Boeing 787 Dreamliner slammed into a medical hostel near Ahmedabad less than a minute after takeoff on June 12, 2025. With 242 souls onboard and dozens more on the ground, investigators are racing to decipher what went wrong.
Key Facts & Timeline
- Flight AI 171 departed Ahmedabad at 13:39 local time, bound for London Gatwick, carrying 242 onboard and ~100 tonnes of fuel.
- One mayday call—“no power”—came seconds before impact. Only one passenger, Viswashkumar Ramesh, survived.
- Black boxes (flight data and cockpit voice recorders) were recovered within 28 hours and three days respectively.
Initial Findings & Leading Theories
Investigators are exploring several potential causes, including:
- Dual engine power loss: Evidence suggests the emergency Ram Air Turbine (RAT) deployed—indicating both engines failed. Read more here.
- Landing gear/flaps not retracted: CCTV footage shows undercarriage still down during descent, raising concerns about lift loss. Details here.
- Environmental or operational issues: Bird strikes, extreme heat, fuel contamination, or maintenance lapses are also under review.
What’s in the Black Boxes?
The FDR records technical data—speed, altitude, engine performance, flaps, gear settings—while the CVR provides cockpit audio. Preliminary data reveals:
- A “mayday… no power” radio call approximately 36 seconds after liftoff.
- Engine or control anomalies are expected to emerge from the flight data logs.
Who’s Leading the Probe?
The probe is led by India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), with technical support from the UK’s AAIB team and U.S. NTSB/FAA, Boeing, GE, and the DGCA.
Wider Context & Safety Reviews
Following the crash:
- The DGCA ordered urgent inspections across Air India’s 787 fleet—24 out of 33 have been checked so far with no systemic faults found.
- The crash stands as the first fatal Boeing 787 accident in 16 years, intensifying pressure on both Boeing and GE. Industry analysis here.
Investigation Outlook & Timelines
International protocols mandate a preliminary report within 30 days and a conclusive one within 12 months. Although early indicators are emerging—engine failure, gear/flap concerns—experts caution that definitive causes may take weeks or months.
Human Impact & Aftermath
At least 30 campus residents were killed, and families await body identification via DNA. Ahmedabad’s only survivor has been hospitalized, while rescue and recovery continue amid grief and outrage.
Conclusion
The Air India crash investigation is navigating complex technical clues—from black box analysis to physical debris—under extraordinary scrutiny. With global aviation authorities involved, the findings will shape safety protocols for years. Stay tuned—official updates are expected within the next month Air India crash investigation.
For related breaking news updates, visit The Morning News Informer.
