Tragedy Strikes: The Aviation Disaster of Air India Flight 171

On June 12, 2025, Air India Flight 171 tragically crashed after takeoff from Ahmedabad, killing at least 260 people. The preliminary investigation highlights potential mechanical issues, as authorities investigate the disaster's causes and ramifications.

 

On June 12, 2025, an Air India flight tragically went down shortly after its departure from Ahmedabad, resulting in the deaths of at least 260 individuals. This disaster marks one of India's most devastating aviation incidents in recent history, as the plane, bound for London, crashed into a nearby medical college’s dining hall, claiming the lives of all but one of the 242 passengers onboard, as well as numerous bystanders.

As investigations progress, a preliminary report from India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau sheds light on the event’s critical timeline. The Boeing 787-8 had landed at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad earlier that day after a domestic flight from New Delhi. During that landing, the flight crew allegedly identified a potential defect, specifically linked to a sensor related to the plane's stabilizer system.

Preflight protocols were followed diligently for Flight 171, with the entire crew comprising two pilots and ten cabin crew members passing routine breath analyzer tests aimed at detecting alcohol consumption. However, as the plane ascended, it reportedly struggled following an unspecified disruption to its fuel supply, leading to catastrophic consequences.

Authorities assert that a thorough investigation is anticipated to span several months, delving into the technical and operational factors contributing to this unparalleled tragedy in Indian aviation. As the nation mourns, the crash has initiated discussions surrounding regulatory standards and safety protocols in the aviation sector, raising questions about systemic vulnerabilities that may exist.