Air India Ahmedabad Plane Crash – Timeline, Investigation and Aftermath of the Worst Aviation Tragedy in India
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In a tragic turn of events, Air India flight AI171 - en route from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick - crashed on June 12, shortly after takeoff, marking one of the deadliest aviation disasters in Indian history. The aircraft, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner , was carrying 242 people, including 169 Indian nationals, 53 British citizens, 7 Portuguese, and 1 Canadian.
What Happened: A Timeline of the Crash
Eyewitnesses described terrifying scenes of thick smoke and burning wreckage, with parts of the aircraft lodged in hostel walls and student belongings strewn across the debris-strewn mess hall. The scent of jet fuel lingered long after the fire was extinguished.
Where the Plane Crashed
The aircraft struck the dining area of the hostel, shattering walls and embedding parts like wheels into the structure. Clothes, books, and half-eaten meals lay scattered. The site was filled with a strong stench of jet fuel as emergency teams cleared the wreckage.
The Lone Survivor: A Miraculous Escape
In the midst of widespread devastation, one person miraculously walked away - Viswash Kumar Ramesh, a British national of Indian origin, seated on 11A. Captured in a viral video, Ramesh was seen stumbling out of the wreckage, as stunned onlookers shouted in disbelief.
Official Response
"Air India confirms that flight AI171, from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, was involved in an accident today after take-off..."
The airline also set up a helpline (1800 5691 444) and assured full cooperation with investigators.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the site and posted:
Possible Causes Under Investigation
Authorities have begun probing multiple possibilities behind the crash. So far, investigators are examining:
Interestingly, a bird strike is not under consideration, and anti-terror units have also joined the probe. Additionally, the role of Air India's maintenance protocols is being closely scrutinized.
Black Box Recovery and Next Steps
The flight data recorder was recovered within 28 hours of the crash, from a rooftop at the impact site. The cockpit voice recorder, the second black box, was found days later and is being analysed for clues, including the pilots’ last words. The captain, Sumeet Sabharwal, had sent a mayday just seconds after take-off.
No official explanation has yet been provided, but the UK and US have joined Indian teams in what is likely to be a long and complex investigation.
Legal Ramifications: Air India and Boeing in Focus
Legal experts suggest Air India or Boeing could face unlimited liability if negligence is established. Although the airline holds $1.5 billion in liability coverage, claims could go far beyond this.
As per the Montreal Convention, the airline must pay a base compensation of around ₹1.82 crore per victim, even without fault. If negligence is proven, families can seek additional damages.
Air India has announced an immediate compensation of ₹1 crore to the families of the deceased. In addition, the airline has offered ₹25 lakh as interim relief, following Tata Sons’ ₹1 crore aid to the victims' families.
What Lies Ahead
As global investigators from India, the UK, and the US begin probing the mid-air catastrophe, the coming weeks will be crucial in uncovering the truth. While the nation mourns, the tragedy has reignited urgent concerns over aviation safety, maintenance protocols, and accountability. With focus now on supporting families, retrieving evidence, and learning from this devastating event, the world watches closely - seeking answers, justice, and meaningful reform in Indian skies.
What Happened: A Timeline of the Crash
- 1:39 PM: The flight departed from Runway 23 of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad.
- Moments later, the crew sent a MAYDAY distress call indicating a life-threatening emergency.
- No further communication followed. Flightradar24 recorded the last signal mere seconds after departure.
- Around 2:00 PM: The aircraft lost altitude rapidly and crashed in a fiery explosion near the B.J. Medical College hostel.
- The airport was shut down immediately after the incident.
Eyewitnesses described terrifying scenes of thick smoke and burning wreckage, with parts of the aircraft lodged in hostel walls and student belongings strewn across the debris-strewn mess hall. The scent of jet fuel lingered long after the fire was extinguished.
Where the Plane Crashed
The aircraft struck the dining area of the hostel, shattering walls and embedding parts like wheels into the structure. Clothes, books, and half-eaten meals lay scattered. The site was filled with a strong stench of jet fuel as emergency teams cleared the wreckage.
The Lone Survivor: A Miraculous Escape
In the midst of widespread devastation, one person miraculously walked away - Viswash Kumar Ramesh, a British national of Indian origin, seated on 11A. Captured in a viral video, Ramesh was seen stumbling out of the wreckage, as stunned onlookers shouted in disbelief.
Official Response
"Air India confirms that flight AI171, from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, was involved in an accident today after take-off..."
The airline also set up a helpline (1800 5691 444) and assured full cooperation with investigators.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the site and posted:
Possible Causes Under Investigation
Authorities have begun probing multiple possibilities behind the crash. So far, investigators are examining:
- Engine thrust failure
- Malfunctioning wing flaps
- Unusual delay in landing gear retraction
Interestingly, a bird strike is not under consideration, and anti-terror units have also joined the probe. Additionally, the role of Air India's maintenance protocols is being closely scrutinized.
Black Box Recovery and Next Steps
The flight data recorder was recovered within 28 hours of the crash, from a rooftop at the impact site. The cockpit voice recorder, the second black box, was found days later and is being analysed for clues, including the pilots’ last words. The captain, Sumeet Sabharwal, had sent a mayday just seconds after take-off.
No official explanation has yet been provided, but the UK and US have joined Indian teams in what is likely to be a long and complex investigation.
Legal Ramifications: Air India and Boeing in Focus
Legal experts suggest Air India or Boeing could face unlimited liability if negligence is established. Although the airline holds $1.5 billion in liability coverage, claims could go far beyond this.
As per the Montreal Convention, the airline must pay a base compensation of around ₹1.82 crore per victim, even without fault. If negligence is proven, families can seek additional damages.
Air India has announced an immediate compensation of ₹1 crore to the families of the deceased. In addition, the airline has offered ₹25 lakh as interim relief, following Tata Sons’ ₹1 crore aid to the victims' families.
What Lies Ahead
As global investigators from India, the UK, and the US begin probing the mid-air catastrophe, the coming weeks will be crucial in uncovering the truth. While the nation mourns, the tragedy has reignited urgent concerns over aviation safety, maintenance protocols, and accountability. With focus now on supporting families, retrieving evidence, and learning from this devastating event, the world watches closely - seeking answers, justice, and meaningful reform in Indian skies.
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