Ahmedabad, June 12, 2025 | Fame Finders Desk
A heartbreaking tragedy unfolded when Air India Flight 171, bound for London, crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad, resulting in the loss of all 242 passengers and crew members on board. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, considered among the most advanced aircraft in Air India’s fleet, was seen descending rapidly before it struck the Meghani Nagar locality—a densely populated area of the city. Casualties and severe damage on the ground were also reported.
Emergency teams were immediately mobilized. Rescue operations were carried out tirelessly, with fire and medical personnel attending to survivors and clearing debris. Sadly, at least 133 lives were lost on the ground, while several residents were injured or displaced. The incident has deeply shaken the nation and reignited critical conversations about flight safety and operational responsibility.
A formal investigation has been launched by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB). Assistance is being provided by Boeing, the aircraft manufacturer, which has expressed its sorrow and is supplying technical support to Indian authorities. The aircraft, over 11 years old, had been operating under routine conditions at the time of the crash.
The focus of the probe has now turned to the cockpit, where Capt. Sumeet Sabharwal and First Officer Clive Kundar had been in command. Both were experienced professionals. Their actions, decisions during takeoff, and possible system responses are being closely analyzed through black box data and maintenance logs.
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad, which is operated by the Adani Group, has also come under scrutiny. A statement has been issued by the group, expressing condolences to the affected families and confirming full cooperation with investigative bodies. Various aspects such as runway readiness, air traffic communication, and takeoff clearance are being assessed for any role they may have played.
Responsibility for the incident has not yet been assigned. However, aviation experts have indicated that accountability may involve multiple layers—including airline operations, airport management, aircraft manufacturing, and regulatory oversight. The crash has exposed potential gaps in India’s aviation safety systems, particularly in training, compliance, and emergency readiness.
Condolences have been offered by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Civil Aviation Minister. It has been assured that accountability will be enforced following the conclusion of the investigation. A final report is expected in the coming months and will play a key role in identifying the exact cause and responsible parties.
This crash is being regarded as one of the gravest air disasters in India’s aviation history. The incident has underscored the urgent need for greater transparency, systemic reform, and stringent enforcement of aviation safety standards across all sectors of the industry.
