The AI 171 Crash Explained || AI171 Plain Crash Report

🛫 Incident Overview

• Flight: Air India Flight 171, Boeing 787‑8 Dreamliner (VT‑ANB).

• Route: Ahmedabad (AMD) → London Gatwick (LGW).

• Date & Time: June 12, 2025; departed ~13:38 IST

  📍 Crash Location & Immediate Aftermath

  • Crash Site: Hit a hostel block at B.J. Medical College, trade name Meghaninagar, ~2 km from the runway.

  • Altitude Loss: Lost signal at ~625 ft altitude, ~30 s after takeoff.

  • Mayday Call: Issued seconds after lifting, then descended rapidly

  • 

  • 💔 Casualties

    • Onboard: 242 occupants (230 passengers, 12 crew); only 1 survivor, British‑Indian Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, seated

    • 11AGround: At least 33 were killed on the ground, with 60+ injured. Total fatalities ~274.

      🔍 Investigation in Progress

      • Black Boxes: Flight Data Recorder recovered intact from a rooftop. Cockpit Voice Recorder recovery is still ongoing

      • Involvement: AAIB leads the investigation with UK (AAIB UK), NTSB, and FAA support.

      • Probe Committee: High‑level inter‑ministerial committee under Home Secretary; deliver findings within ~3 months

      • ⚠️ Potential Factors Under Review

        1. Unearthing configuration issues

           • The aircraft appeared to have landing gear extended and flaps retracted prematurely, increasing drag and risking stall.

        2. Engine performance

           • Investigators assessing engine thrust; ruling out bird strikes as unlikely.

        3. Maintenance protocols and human factors

           • Maintenance logs and Air India’s DGCA oversight are under scrutiny.

           • 🏛️ Regulatory Response & Safety Measures

             • Fleet Inspections: DGCA mandated urgent checks on all 34 Boeing 787s; 8 inspected so far.Enhanced Maintenance: Specifically targeting engine control, flap systems, and landing gear monitors.

             • FAA & Boeing: U.S. agencies and Boeing are assisting; oversight raised amid stock value dip.
               

               🌐 Survivor & Victims’ Stories

               • Miracle of Seat 11A: Vishwash Kumar Ramesh walked out alive—his last‑minute placement saved his life.

             • Near‑miss passenger: Bhoomi Chauhan missed the flight by 10 minutes due to traffic—later called it a “miracle.
             • ”Lives lost: Victims included students, doctors, families—an outpouring of personal stories.

             • 🔭 What Happens Next?

               • Black‑box analysis will provide definitive clues about the pilots’ actions and system performance.

               • Investigative report due in three months; will recommend systemic policy, training, and technical upgrades.

               • Industry review may result in global 787 operational advisories or design updates.
               • 

               • 🤔 Final Thoughts

                 While the full cause remains unclear, early signs point to possible takeoff configuration errors—flaps, landing gear, thrust settings—combined with procedural or maintenance lapses. The tragedy is a sobering reminder that every checklist item matters, and why robust oversight and systemic safety culture are essential.

               The AI 171 Crash Explained

               Category	Details
               Flight ID	AI‑171, Boeing 787‑8
               Occupants	242 onboard
               Fatalities	241 onboard + 33 ground
               Survivor	1 (British‑Indian, seat 11A)
               Crash Time	~13:38–13:40 IST, 12 June 2025
               Crash Site	B.J. Medical College hostel, Meghaninagar, Ahmedabad
               Investigation Lead	AAIB India; UK, US agencies supporting
               Key Focus Areas	Landing gear/flap configuration, engine thrust, maintenance logs
               Safety Actions	Fleet-wide Boeing 787 inspections; enhanced maintenance checks
               Report Timeline	Committee to submit in ~3 months