Date: 12 June 2025
Flight: Air India AI-171
Aircraft: Boeing 787 Dreamliner
What began as a routine international flight from Ahmedabad's Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport to London turned into a nightmare within seconds of takeoff. Air India Flight AI-171, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, departed more than 20 minutes late. But this wasn’t just any ordinary delay. Just 34 seconds after takeoff, the aircraft lost all control and crashed into a residential building near the BJ Medical Hostel in Meghaninagar.
Earlier that day, the same plane had already completed a Paris–Delhi and Delhi–Ahmedabad journey. A passenger, Akash Vatsa, had raised alarming observations — malfunctioning AC, faulty entertainment system, and unstable wing flaps. He posted a video on social media. Yet, the aircraft was cleared for another long-haul flight.
At 13:38:39, the flight lifted off from Runway 23. But barely a minute later, at just 625 feet altitude, something went fatally wrong. Pilots reported "thrust not achieved" and issued a "MAYDAY" call. The plane nose-dived and crashed into the hostel canteen filled with students on their lunch break. Only one survivor made it out — a British national seated near the emergency exit.
What Went Wrong?
The aircraft had a history. In November 2021, this very Dreamliner made an emergency landing in Turkey due to fuel leakage. Investigations later revealed shocking issues at Boeing’s manufacturing facility — metal debris left inside planes, poor parts, and whistleblowers silenced. Some Boeing employees even said they would never travel on a Dreamliner.
The leading theories for this crash include:
- Fuel contamination: Possibly due to poor-quality fuel supplied at Ahmedabad Airport.
- Total electrical failure: RAT (Ram Air Turbine) was visibly deployed, suggesting engine or power failure.
- Mechanical defect: Boeing’s 787s have a long track record of battery issues, engine troubles, and poor maintenance practices.
Accountability & Investigations
Both the cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder (black boxes) were recovered. India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is leading the inquiry, with assistance from U.S. NTSB and U.K. officials. Eyewitness videos show the landing gear was never retracted and the wing flaps were not deployed — critical failures for takeoff.
As the world waits for the preliminary report, due 12 July, one thing is clear: this was not just an accident. It was a result of systemic negligence — possibly from Boeing, Air India’s engineering division, or both.
Final Thoughts
The crash of AI-171 may become one of the worst aviation disasters involving a Dreamliner. It has exposed the deep cracks in aircraft manufacturing, regulatory oversight, and corporate responsibility. As the victims’ families await justice, the world is reminded once again: safety can never be compromised.
This article is not written with the intention to offend anyone. Our only motive is to research and present factual information. The content is not self-written but compiled from credible sources such as BBC, Hindustan Times, Business Standard, Aviation Week, Money Control, Financial Express, The Times of India, India Today, Independent, Reuters, The Economic Times, NPR, The New York Times, Newslaundry, News18, The Guardian, Al Jazeera, NBC, CNN, The American Prospect, International Business Times, Sky Brary, Biobor, and others. It also includes insights from the YouTube educational channel Dhruv Rathee. If you feel anything should not be here, please mail us at info@theabiworld.com.
Written by: Abi
Published on: TheAbiWorld.com
