In the early hours of June 12, 2025, Air India Flight 171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner operating from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, crashed shortly after take-off, plunging into a hostel building adjacent to the airport. The disaster claimed the lives of 260 individuals, including passengers, crew, and people on the ground, making it one of the deadliest aviation tragedies in recent history.
Chronology of the crash
-
The aircraft ascended to approximately 625 feet within 40 seconds of take-off in clear weather before suddenly losing thrust and crashing into a densely populated area.
-
Moments before the crash, both engines lost power nearly simultaneously. Preliminary findings show the fuel cut-off switches for both engines were moved to the “CUTOFF” position seconds after take-off, abruptly cutting off fuel and causing total thrust loss.
-
Cockpit voice recordings captured urgent confusion between the flight crew. One pilot questioned, “Why did you do the cut-off?” – to which the other replied that he had not, but the audio does not clarify who made each statement.
-
The accident destroyed much of the midsection and tail of the aircraft, with debris and intense fire further complicating rescue operations and victim identification.
Technical investigation – key findings
-
Both fuel switches moved to “CUTOFF” within seconds of departure – this action is standard after landing, not take-off.
-
The cockpit voice recorder showed confusion, but did not directly conclude which crew member moved the switches or their motive.
-
The Air India preliminary report did not find any technical fault with Boeing or engine manufacturer GE, noting all maintenance was up-to-date, and no immediate actions were recommended for the manufacturers.
-
Investigators have retrieved and analysed both black boxes. Data extraction efforts were swift, but the complexity of the cockpit events leaves some questions open.
-
Aviation authorities have cautioned the public and the media against premature conclusions pending the final report, emphasising that the investigation is ongoing and more details – including potential human factors – are still under analysis.
The sole survivor’s story
-
Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, a British national seated in 11A, is the only survivor. His section of the aircraft separated during the impact, allowing him to reach an emergency exit and escape with minor injuries.
-
Ramesh’s survival is attributed to the location of his seat, which avoided the worst of the fire and debris. He was released from the hospital after about a week and later attended his brother’s funeral, who was among the deceased.
-
Videos and eyewitness accounts confirm Ramesh managed to exit the wreckage unaided, even as first responders rushed to the scene.
Impact and aftermath
-
The crash sparked fires that generated temperatures as high as 1,500°C, complicating identification efforts. DNA analysis was necessary for many victims, especially given the large number of medical students who perished on the ground.
-
High-profile casualties included former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani.
-
The aviation disaster has renewed calls for added safety features, such as cockpit video recorders, and is expected to influence future aviation protocols and pilot training internationally.
Ongoing investigation and future directions
-
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has stressed that while the preliminary report gives early insight, the investigation continues, especially regarding cockpit procedures and crew interactions at the critical moment.
-
International aviation bodies and industry experts are closely monitoring the probe, and it is anticipated that significant changes in cockpit safety practices and possibly regulatory requirements will result from the final findings.
-
Air India and global aviation regulators are cooperating fully, and regular updates will be released as more information emerges.
Sources
- Wall Street Journal – Air India Crash Investigation
- Al Jazeera – Fuel Control Switch Analysis
- NDTV – Expert Analysis of Pilot Actions