The Tragic Ahmedabad Crash: What We Know So Far
On June 12, 2025, Air India Flight AI 171, a Boeing 787‑8 Dreamliner registered VT‑ANB, took off from Ahmedabad en route to London Gatwick. Mere 30 seconds after takeoff, it crashed into a hostel complex at B.J. Medical College, claiming 260 lives—241 people onboard and 19 on the ground—with only one sole survivor Omni+7Samayam Telugu+7The Times of India+7Barron’s+15Wikipedia+15Indiatimes+15.
Early Investigation & Black Box Data
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), supported by international experts including the U.S. NTSB, recovered and analyzed the flight data recorder (FDR) and cockpit voice recorder (CVR) in the days following the crash AP News+2Reuters+2Barron’s+2.
Key Findings from Preliminary Report
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Seconds into the flight, both engines lost thrust after their fuel control switches unexpectedly moved from “RUN” to “CUTOFF” The Guardian+9Barron’s+9AP News+9.
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The switches were briefly returned to the RUN position, but the engines failed to regain sufficient power before impact Wikipedia+14Barron’s+14AP News+14.
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In the cockpit voice recording, one pilot is heard asking the other “why did you cut off the fuel?”, which was met with denial—neither claimed responsibility YouTube+9People.com+9The Independent+9.
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There was no evidence of bird strike or sabotage, nor any external interference with the aircraft The Economic Times.
Loss & Context
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The aircraft, delivered in 2014, had over 41,700 flight hours and continued regular maintenance, including engine overhauls. No recent technical issues were reported The Times of India+5Barron’s+5The Indian Express+5.
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The landing gear remained extended throughout, and the ram air turbine deployed, indicating a double engine failure The Washington Post.
Legal & Safety Fallout
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The crash has triggered legal claims under the Montreal Convention (1999). Estimated liability and compensation could exceed ₹1,000 crore Live Law.
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Air India faced criticism over alleged pressures on victim families to disclose personal finances before receiving compensation; company denies misconduct and maintains cooperation with authorities The Times of India+2www.ndtv.com+2Indiatimes+2.
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Indian regulators have ordered detailed inspections of all 33 Dreamliner aircraft in Air India’s fleet AP News+1AP News+1.
What Happens Next
The AAIB’s full final report is expected in the coming months, after analyzing mechanical, procedural, and human factors. Meanwhile, authorities are reviewing pilot training protocols, cockpit switch design and lock mechanisms, and emergency response procedures The Washington Post+4Barron’s+4The Times of India+4.
Timeline of Key Events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| June 12, 2025 | Flight AI 171 crashes shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad |
| June 13–16 | Cockpit and flight data recorders recovered |
| Late June | Black box data downloaded and analyzed |
| July 8 | AAIB submits preliminary report to Ministry of Civil Aviation |
| July 11–12 | Preliminary findings released publicly |
Human Impact & Response
This disaster deeply affected communities worldwide—169 Indian, 53 British, 7 Portuguese, and 1 Canadian onboard, with many onboard travelling for personal milestones or Eid holiday visits. Among the deceased was former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, confirmed by DNA identification The Times of India+15Wikipedia+15The Economic Times+15www.ndtv.com+3Reuters+3Omni+3Samayam Telugu+3The Washington Post+3Omni+3. The sole survivor, a British‑Indian man, stepped out of the wreckage and recounted harrowing seconds before impact The Independent+1The Times+1.
Reflections & Way Forward
This incident stands as India’s worst aviation disaster in decades. As the investigation continues:
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Authorities will examine whether switch movements were accidental, mechanical or pilot‑induced.
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Experts are calling for enhanced pilot training, more robust safety interlocks, and better diagnostic systems.
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Regulators and Air India must address public trust and ensure transparent support for victims’ families.
If you’d like to explore survivor stories, technical breakdowns, or legal aftermath in detail, I’m happy to help.
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People.com
The Guardian
The Economic Times
