Air India Flight 171 Crash, Ahmedabad, India
Date of Incident: June 12, 2025
Location: Meghani Nagar, near B.J. Medical College, Ahmedabad, India
Aircraft: Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner (Tail Number: VT-ANB)
Flight Route: Ahmedabad (AMD) – London Gatwick (LGW)
Operator: Air India
1. Summary of Events
On June 12, 2025, Air India Flight 171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, departed Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, Ahmedabad, at approximately 13:38 IST, bound for London Gatwick. Shortly after takeoff, the flight crew issued a MAYDAY call. The aircraft lost signal at a low altitude (approx. 625 feet) and crashed into a hostel building at B.J. Medical College, in the densely populated Meghani Nagar area. The incident occurred less than one minute after departure.
2. Casualties
Total on Board: 242 (230 passengers, 12 crew) Nationalities: 169 Indians 53 British 7 Portuguese 1 Canadian Fatalities: At least 204 confirmed dead at the crash site; police estimate total fatalities, including ground victims, at 204–290. Injuries (Ground): Approx. 50 injured, mostly students at B.J. Medical College. Survivors: 1 (British-Indian passenger, seat 11A)
3. Damage
The aircraft was completely destroyed. The crash caused extensive structural damage and fire at the hostel building of B.J. Medical College. Multiple vehicles and residential units were affected. Emergency response teams battled significant fires and performed mass casualty rescue operations.
4. Initial Investigation Findings
Timeline: Takeoff at 13:38 IST Signal lost at 13:39 IST MAYDAY issued seconds before crash Preliminary Cause: Early evidence suggests misconfigured flaps and failure to retract landing gear, leading to insufficient lift. No immediate indications of engine failure. Black Box: Recovery operations underway for flight data and cockpit voice recorders. Agencies Involved: India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) UK Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) Boeing technical teams
5. Response
Indian authorities, Air India, and local emergency services responded rapidly to the site. The Indian and UK governments issued statements of condolence and support. Family assistance centers were set up in both India and the UK for affected relatives.
6. Significance
This is the deadliest aviation accident in India in over a decade and the first fatal crash of a Boeing 787 Dreamliner since its introduction. The incident has caused significant public and international concern, prompting urgent safety reviews.
7. Ongoing Actions
Full investigation ongoing with support from international agencies. Safety audits and technical reviews initiated for Air India and Boeing 787 fleets. Humanitarian aid and mental health support provided for survivors and affected families.
Sources:
Business Insider: Casualty Reports
Economic Times: Flight Path Data
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