AAIB Releases Initial Report on Air India Flight AI171 Crash in Ahmedabad

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has submitted its initial report regarding the crash of Air India flight AI171. This tragic event occurred shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad airport on June 12, 2025. The flight was en route to London when it crashed into a medical college hostel, resulting in the death of 241 people on board and 19 individuals on the ground. Remarkably, one passenger survived the incident.

The AAIB launched an investigation immediately after the crash. A combined unit of the Digital Flight Data Recorder (DFDR) and Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) was recovered from the wreckage shortly after the incident. This data will play a crucial role in understanding the causes of the crash.

Experts from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), along with Indian investigators, are exploring various factors that might have led to the accident. They are particularly investigating the possibility of dual-engine failure. The team consists of specialists from the Indian Air Force, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), and aviation medicine, among others.

The crash is notable as it was the first fatal incident involving the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, a model that entered commercial service in 2011. The aircraft involved was 11 years old and had been maintained regularly. Officials have confirmed that the plane was equipped with two black box systems, enhancing the potential for a thorough investigation.

At the time of take-off, the weather at Ahmedabad airport was clear, with light winds and good visibility. The flight crew reported a loss of power and thrust shortly after take-off, which led to the crash. Eyewitnesses reported seeing the aircraft fly low before it disappeared behind buildings, followed by a loud explosion.

Rescue operations were immediate. Over 300 firefighters and numerous ambulances were deployed to the crash site. The aftermath saw significant destruction, with parts of the aircraft striking the hostel and causing multiple explosions. Efforts to assist the injured and recover victims were coordinated by local authorities.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the crash site and the hospital where the sole survivor was treated. The survivor, a British citizen, described the terrifying moments before the crash and how he managed to escape through a broken emergency exit.

In response to the crash, Air India has faced intense scrutiny. Immediate inspections of their entire fleet of Boeing 787 Dreamliners were ordered. The investigations will continue, with the AAIB expected to provide further details in the coming weeks. The government has also formed a separate high-level committee to examine the causes and improve future aircraft safety protocols.

As the investigation unfolds, the focus remains on supporting the families and friends of the victims. The tragic event has left a mark on the aviation community and raised important questions about airline safety regulations. The AAIB’s findings will play a vital role in ensuring that such an incident does not happen again in the future.

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