Investigation Underway After Devastating Air India Crash
Authorities in India have launched a formal investigation into the Air India crash that killed 241 people and left just one survivor. Air India Flight AI171, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, went down just minutes after takeoff from Ahmedabad’s international airport on Thursday, June 12, 2025. The flight was bound for London Gatwick.
This tragedy marks the deadliest commercial aviation disaster since 2014 and the first complete loss of a 787 aircraft since its launch more than a decade ago.
Black Box Recovery Marks Start of Technical Probe
One of the aircraft’s two black boxes was recovered on Friday morning, according to local media reports. These recorders hold critical flight data and cockpit audio from the final minutes before the crash. Authorities have not confirmed whether the recovered device was the Flight Data Recorder (FDR) or Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR).
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is leading the effort to decode the contents, which could help determine if mechanical, human, or environmental factors led to the crash.
Air India Flight AI171 Wreckage Shows Widespread Destruction
The crash site near BJ Medical Hostel in Ahmedabad remains a scene of devastation. The aircraft broke apart on impact and burst into flames, with debris scattered across a wide area. Four adjacent residential towers were partially blackened and damaged by fire.
Emergency responders confirmed over 200 bodies had been recovered by Thursday evening. The passenger manifest listed 242 people on board, including 12 crew members and 230 passengers, primarily Indian and British nationals.
Pilot Mayday Call Came Moments Before Disappearance
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) confirmed that the pilots issued a mayday call shortly after takeoff. The aircraft had departed from runway 23 at 1:39 p.m. local time. No further contact was made after the distress call.
Flight AI171 was under the command of Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, a veteran pilot with 8,200 flying hours, and First Officer Clive Kundar, who had logged 1,100 hours.
Survivor May Hold Critical Clues to Air India Plane Crash
In a miraculous twist, one person survived: Ramesh Vishwaskumar, who was seated in the first row of economy class. Investigators hope his account will shed light on what unfolded in the seconds before the explosion.
Authorities are working closely with medical teams as they wait for him to stabilize before conducting interviews.
Possible Takeoff Issues: Misconfigured Weight or Thrust?
Aviation analyst Bob Mann from RW Mann & Co. suggested the 787 Dreamliner may not have reached necessary thrust levels during takeoff. The aircraft reportedly used almost the entire 11,000-foot runway, yet failed to gain adequate altitude.
Mann explained that inaccurate weight data entered into the plane’s system could cause engines to deliver insufficient power. “If the weight is underestimated, you don’t command enough power. If it’s overestimated, you may have too aggressive a takeoff,” he said.
These early theories remain speculative until black box data is analyzed.
Air India’s Worst Accident Since 1985
This is Air India’s most serious crash since Flight 182 in 1985, when a bomb destroyed a Boeing 747 over the Atlantic, killing 329 people. It also surpasses recent fatal airline disasters in scale, including a midair collision in Washington earlier this year.
The current crash is the most severe involving a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, a flagship aircraft in Boeing’s fleet, known for its fuel efficiency and composite material design.
Boeing and Indian Government React to Catastrophic Crash
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the crash site Friday morning. Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg issued a statement expressing condolences and affirming Boeing’s commitment to assist in the investigation. Ortberg and Boeing Commercial Aircraft head Stephanie Pope canceled their attendance at the upcoming Paris Air Show as a result.
What Happens Next in the Crash Investigation?
Per international aviation law under Annex 13, India will lead the investigation, supported by the U.S. and Boeing. A preliminary report is expected within a few weeks. A final report, including root causes and safety recommendations, typically follows within one to two years.
This tragedy may spark renewed scrutiny of airline safety procedures, pilot training, and Boeing’s aircraft reliability, especially as the company continues to face backlash from past incidents.
