Air India Flight AI171 Boeing 787-8 emergency landing incident

Overview of Air India Flight AI171 Crash Accident

On June 12, 2025, at around 1:38 PM (IST), Air India flight AI171 (Boeing 787-8, registration VT-ANB), which took off from Ahmedabad Airport in India, experienced a tragic accident shortly after takeoff. The aircraft lost altitude rapidly at approximately 625 feet (about 190 meters) about 30 to 60 seconds after takeoff, crashing into the Meghani Nagar area, specifically near the B.J. Medical College dormitory, and exploded.

Human casualties

A total of 242 people were on board the aircraft, including 230 passengers and 12 crew members, with 241 of them reported dead. Only one person, Mr. Vishwashkumar Ramesh, a British national seated in 11A, managed to escape near the emergency exit and survived. He is currently receiving treatment for minor injuries. There was also significant damage on the ground. The aircraft collided with a dormitory building and nearby medical facilities, injuring 41 medical students and residents, with more than 50 receiving treatment at a hospital.

Passenger Nationality and Key Figures

Among the passengers, there were 169 Indian nationals, the highest number, followed by 53 British, 7 Portuguese, and 1 Canadian. Notably, Vijay Rupani, the former Chief Minister of Gujarat, was on board, along with Clive Kunder, who was a cousin of actor Vikrant Massey and the co-pilot at the time, and it has been confirmed that they all perished.

Captain and Pilot Information

The captain was Mr. Sumeet Sabharwal, who had 8,200 hours of flight experience, and the first officer was Mr. Clive Kunder, with 1,100 hours. Both were reported to have extensive experience in long-haul international flights on the Boeing 787 aircraft.

Situation at the time of the accident

Immediately after takeoff, there was a 'MAYDAY' call from the cockpit, and communication was lost shortly thereafter. The aircraft is believed to have descended rapidly from an altitude of 625 feet and collided with the ground, resulting in an immediate explosion. Preliminary analysis suggests that the landing gear was not retracted, while the flaps were already in a folded position, raising concerns about the aircraft's aerodynamic condition.

Structure and Response

Immediately after the incident, fire brigades, ambulances, the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), and military units near the airport were dispatched for emergency response, leading to the closure of major roads and a temporary suspension of airport operations. Subsequently, some flights have resumed.

Investigation Progress

The accident investigation is being led by the Indian Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), with cooperation from the UK AAIB, the US NTSB, and the FAA. One of the two black boxes from the accident aircraft has been recovered, and analysis is ongoing. Boeing and General Electric (GE) have also dispatched technical teams to join the investigation.

Effects and Reactions

This incident is expected to be recorded as the first fatal crash of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and the worst single-survivor accident in aviation history. Immediately after the accident, Boeing's stock fell by 4.8 to 9%, and the shares of major parts manufacturers such as GE and Spirit AeroSystems also experienced declines. Governments of countries including India, the UK, Portugal, Canada, and Pakistan expressed their deep condolences to the victims and their families. Air India and its parent company Tata Group have set up a support team for the bereaved families and promised medical and compensation assistance.

Future Outlook

The current investigation is focused on analyzing black box audio recordings and flight data, identifying whether mechanical failure or pilot system errors will be key issues to determine in the future. Experts have cited potential reasons for the failure to climb after takeoff, including engine defects, aerodynamic imbalances, and autopilot anomalies however, the final cause of the accident will await the official investigation results to be released in the coming weeks.

Incident Summary

On June 12, 2025, Air India flight AI171 (Boeing 787-8) crashed shortly after taking off from Ahmedabad Airport, resulting in the deaths of 241 people, with only one survivor. An investigation is underway regarding possible aircraft defects and issues with the control system. This incident marks the first fatal accident in the history of the Boeing 787 series and has sent shockwaves throughout the global aviation industry.