đĢ Breaking: Air India Flight AI 171 Crashes After Takeoff
đĢ Breaking: Air India Flight AI 171 Crashes After Takeoff
On 12 June 2025, at approximately 1:38–1:39 PM local time, Air India Flight AI 171—a Boeing 787‑8 Dreamliner (tail VT‑ANB) bound for London Gatwick—took off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad. Just moments after becoming airborne, the flight crashed into the residential area of Meghani Nagar near the airport perimeter (apnews.com).
Radar contact was lost within 625 feet of altitude, less than a minute after takeoff . Reports differ on the time span—some state approximately five minutes post-departure (indiatimes.com).
ATC received a distress (“Mayday”) call immediately after takeoff, but no further communication followed (en.wikipedia.org).
The aircraft, carrying 232 passengers and 12 crew (total 244 occupants) (apnews.com), crashed into a neighboring residential zone. Thick plumes of black smoke were later seen rising over the crash site (en.wikipedia.org).
Fire crews—seven fire engines—and multiple NDRF teams were swiftly dispatched from Gandhinagar and Vadodara. Emergency services scrambled ambulances and rescue resources (news.abplive.com).
First Boeing 787 Crash Ever: This is the first-ever crash involving a Boeing 787 aircraft since its 2009 entry into service (apnews.com).
Potential Casualties: While official fatality toll is pending, preliminary reports suggest at least 50 fatalities, though this remains unconfirmed (en.wikipedia.org).
Ongoing Investigation: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) have launched inquiries into the causes of the crash (en.wikipedia.org).
High-altitude loss indicates a critical failure very early in the flight—likely mechanical or aerodynamic in nature.
Residential crash site raises alarm for casualties both onboard and among people on the ground.
Swift emergency mobilization, including national disaster teams, shows top-level attention from Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, who personally oversees rescue operations (apnews.com).
Black box retrieval & analysis Vital for uncovering cockpit voice and data recordings
AAIB & DGCA investigation Will determine root causes—technical failure, pilot error, environmental factors
Global aviation response As involvement of a state-run flag carrier and the 787 model, finding answers is crucial for future safety
Global Impact on Boeing 787 Safety: The Dreamliner’s impeccable safety reputation makes this crash exceptionally noteworthy.
Urban Hazard Spotlight: The aircraft crashed near a densely populated area, highlighting risks inherent to airport-adjacent communities.
India’s Aviation Oversight: The DGCA's probing efforts will influence both national and global aviation safety policies.
This tragic incident is still unfolding. Confirmed casualty figures are pending, and the investigation—led by AAIB and DGCA—will determine if it was a technical fault, human error, environmental condition, or a combination. Rescue efforts are underway, and loved ones await news.
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