Air India Flight AI 171 Crashes Near Ahmedabad Airport: Investigation Underway, 232 Onboard.

AHMEDABAD, June 12, 2025 In one of the deadliest aviation disasters in recent Indian history, Air India flight AI171, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport en route to London Gatwick. the aircraft, carrying 242 people, went down at approximately 1:39 PM IST, following a mayday call to Air Traffic Control (ATC), after which all communication ceased. the aircraft, registered as VT-ANB, lost altitude moments after taking off from Runway 23 and crashed into a residential area near BJ Medical College, striking the Doctors’ Hostel complex, according to a statement from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). Eyewitnesses described “black fumes billowing into the sky” and chaotic scenes near the crash site. Onboard Details the ill-fated flight had 230 passengers, including: 169 Indian nationals, 53 British citizens, 7 Portuguese citizens, 1 Canadian citizen. Additionally, there were 2 pilots and 10 cabin crew members onboard. the captain, Sumit Sabharwal, was a Long-Term Captain (LTC) with over 8,200 hours of flying experience, and the co-pilot, Clive Kundar, had around 1,100 hours. Crew members also included Ratanjiv Kundan and Shraddha Mahadev, among others. Eyewitness Account & Ground Casualties Harshit, an eyewitness speaking to CNBC Live, said he had come from the library to have lunch when the plane crashed into the Doctors’ Hostel. A loud sound was heard as the impact occurred. Around 50–60 people were near the mess area, and a few sustained injuries. the mess is located 1–2 km from the hostel, and MBBS students often come there to eat. the building struck by the plane housed resident doctors. Another Eye-witness Akash Vats, tweeted: "I was in the same damn flight 2 hours before it took off from AMD. I came in this from DEL-AMD. Noticed unusual things in the place. Made a video to tweet to @airindia i would want to give more details. Please contact me." This statement could become crucial to the investigation. the passenger claims to have noticed “unusual things” and documented them. According to Republic TV, the aircraft crashed into a Doctors’ Hostel complex near BJ Medical College, where resident doctors were residing at the time. Initial reports suggest that 12 individuals on the ground may have been killed, though this figure has not been officially confirmed. Rescue teams have been deployed, and officials caution that the total death toll could rise as efforts continue. So far, Republic TV has cited an estimated 105 fatalities, including those onboard, but authorities have not yet released a confirmed casualty count. MAYDAY Call and DGCA Statement According to the DGCA’s official release, the aircraft departed at 13:39 IST (0809 UTC) and issued a MAYDAY distress call. However, no further response was received by ATC. the Ministry of Civil Aviation confirmed the call and cited "loss of thrust and inability to gain lift" as probable causes under preliminary investigation. Official Reactions Union Home Minister Amit Shah expressed deep sorrow on X (formerly Twitter): “Pained beyond words by the tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad. Disaster response forces have been quickly rushed to the crash site. Spoke with Gujarat CM Shri Bhupendra Patel, Home Minister Shri Harsh Sanghavi, and Commissioner of Police Ahmedabad to assess the situation.” Prime Minister Narendra Modi also tweeted: “the tragedy in Ahmedabad has stunned and saddened us. It is heartbreaking beyond words. In this sad hour, my thoughts are with everyone affected by it.” President Droupadi Murmu offered condolences: “I am deeply distressed to learn about the tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad. It is a heart-rending disaster. My thoughts and prayers are with the affected people.” the Tata Group, owner of Air India, issued a brief templated statement: “We are deeply saddened by the incident and extend our sympathies to all affected.” Past Technical Issues and Regulatory Warnings This is not the first time AI171 has come under scrutiny. In December 2024, the same flight had experienced a technical snag that left 300 passengers stranded. Furthermore, DGCA had issued multiple show-cause notices to Air India in early June 2025 for operational lapses, including expired emergency equipment onboard. Separately, a December 12, 2024 inspection revealed that Akasa Air, operating in Ahmedabad, had violated regulations concerning transport of lithium battery-based electronics. these systemic issues have now raised broader questions about aviation safety enforcement in India. Boeing and Manufacturer Response A Boeing spokesperson provided a standard statement (via Republic TV): “We are aware of initial reports and are working to gather more information.” Boeing’s aircraft have faced prior incidents globally, including: Dec 21, 2023: Emergency landing of a Boeing 717 from Mexico to Manchester. Dec 2024: Boeing 787 experienced a rapid altitude shift between Lagos and Washington. Investigation and Rescue Efforts Underway Rescue operations are ongoing, with disaster response teams deployed across the affected zone. the crash has reignited urgent conversations about aircraft maintenance standards and regulatory oversight in India’s rapidly growing aviation sector. the final cause of the crash remains under investigation by DGCA, but early indications point to technical failure and possible regulatory negligence.