June 12, 2025 Ahmedabad Air India Boeing 787 crash—what happened, likely causes, and best practices for handling in-flight emergencies.
✈️ Ahmedabad Boeing 787 Crash – A Deep Dive
🗓️ What Happened?
On June 12, 2025, Air India Flight AI‑171, a Boeing 787‑8 Dreamliner, took off from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at ~13:38 IST en route to London Gatwick. Seconds after lift‑off, at ~650 feet, the aircraft failed to gain altitude and the captain issued a chilling “Mayday” broadcast: “Thrust not achieved. Falling”.
Within 30–40 seconds, the plane crashed into a nearby medical college hostel (B.J. Medical College), exploded, and caught fire . Of the 242 people onboard, tragically 241 were killed, along with at least 30 individuals on the ground. Remarkably, one survivor, Vishwashkumar Ramesh, escaped via an emergency exit .
🧭 Why Did It Crash?
Investigations are ongoing, with several probable contributing factors:
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Engine thrust failure
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The mayday revealed engines failed to generate required lift
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Experts mention possible bird strikes or mechanical issues
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Takeoff configuration issues
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Reports show landing gear and flaps were not retracted, hindering lift.
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Technical malfunction in propulsion system
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Aviation expert Mirza Faizan highlights probable engine or fuel system failure.
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Other factors under investigation
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Bird strike (though early report suggests unlikely).
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Pilot error or maintenance lapses remain under scrutiny
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Black box data and cockpit voice recorders, recovered at the crash site, are being analyzed by Indian authorities with NTSB and Boeing’s cooperation.
🛠️ Emergency Response & Rescue
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Rapid rescue deployment: Over 300 firefighters, 60 fire vehicles, 20 water bowsers, and units from NDRF, BSF, CISF, and the Army mobilized within minutes.
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Emergency halt & investigation: Flights were paused, investigation teams from NTSB and FAA arrived, black boxes retrieved .
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Victim Identification & Support: DNA profiling for charred remains; support and hotlines set up for families .
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Black box decoding: Teams are decoding flight data and cockpit audio for clues .
🛡️ What You Should Know About In-Flight Emergencies
While air travel remains one of the safest modes of transport, emergencies can happen. Knowing how to react can save lives:
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Pay attention to the safety demo
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Take note of nearest exit routes and brace positions.
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Keep seatbelt fastened
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Even during mild turbulence or takeoff, sudden losses in thrust can occur.
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Use emergency exits if accessible
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Seat near an exit increases evacuation chances—as in the Ahmedabad survivor’s case.
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Follow crew instructions immediately
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In emergencies, calm, coordinated action is critical.
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Stay low in smoke
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If cabin fills with smoke, crawl to exits keeping as close to the floor as possible.
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Leave belongings behind
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Speed is essential—carry nothing but personal protection.
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Move swiftly to assembly areas
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Once outside, stay upwind of fire, gather at marked locations, and follow ground crew directions.
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✅ Conclusion
The Ahmedabad disaster is a somber moment in aviation history—the first Boeing 787 fatal crash globally . While definitive causes are pending black box analysis, early signs point to engine thrust loss, misconfigured aircraft parts, and possible mechanical failure. For air travelers, the tragedy underscores the importance of knowing and practicing emergency protocols.
In addition, parent company Tata Group and Air India announced a compensation package totaling ₹1.25 crore per victim, combining Tata's ₹1 crore and Air India's additional ₹25 lakh interim relief.
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