✈️ An accident that shook the entire nation
On the morning of June 12, 2025, Air India flight AI-171, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, crashed just 41 seconds after taking off from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport for London. The plane slammed into a nearby industrial area, causing a massive explosion that killed 241 people on board and at least 29 on the ground.
The horrific incident stunned the entire nation and led to one of the most intense aviation investigations in India’s history.
🎙️ “There was no electricity”: The last words from the cockpit
After recovering the black box and cockpit voice recorder from the wreckage, investigators have now confirmed that the final 36 seconds of flight AI‑171 were filled with panic and determination.
The cockpit voice recorder recorded the pilot’s panicked words:
“Mayday… no power… attempt emergency descent…”
Shortly after, all communications stopped. That short phrase gives an insight into what experts are calling a catastrophic system-wide failure, possibly involving a twin-engine fire or a serious electrical fault.
🧪 Preliminary findings: What went wrong?
According to sources close to the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the initial findings point to the following:
Hydraulic and electrical systems malfunctioned within 30 seconds of takeoff
The emergency power system (RAT) deployed automatically, but did not fully activate
The autopilot disengaged; The pilots assumed manual controls
Possibly flap or rudder control lock-up, which affected the plane’s ability to stabilize
The voice recorder and flight data confirmed no signs of pilot error
While the exact mechanical fault has not been confirmed, officials believe the plane was already severely damaged before it reached cruising altitude.
🧑✈️ Crew: Calm in crisis
The flight was piloted by veteran Capt. Sumeet Sabharwal, 55, who has more than 8,200 hours of flying experience, and 32-year-old First Officer Clive Kunder. Investigators found that both crew members acted “calmly, precisely and in accordance with emergency protocols.” While systems around them failed, they attempted to stabilize the plane and return to the runway. Unfortunately, the damage proved irreversible.
👤 Sole survivor
Of the 242 people on board the plane, one passenger miraculously survived – he was seated in 11A, an economy window seat just behind the wings. The survivor is currently recovering at a hospital in Gujarat and has reportedly given crucial eyewitness testimony to investigators.
🏥 National response and relief
Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the crash site and met survivors and bereaved families. He promised full government support, including:
Compensation to the families of the victims
DNA testing and rapid identification process
Mental health counselling and crisis helplines for affected relatives
The government also promised a full and transparent investigation.
🧭 Investigation and timeline
The black boxes and cockpit voice recorders were analysed at India’s state-of-the-art AAIB laboratory in Delhi. Experts from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and Boeing are collaborating with Indian investigators.
A preliminary report is expected within 90 days
The full accident report is likely to be released in the next 12 months
All Boeing 787 aircraft in Air India’s fleet are being thoroughly examined
🛑 Air India under scrutiny
The accident has rekindled concerns over Air India’s aircraft maintenance practices. Reports have emerged that the airline has flouted earlier warnings for:
Delays in emergency checks
Crew scheduling violations
Incomplete maintenance logs
The DGCA has now launched a separate audit of all Dreamliner operations in India.
🔍 What happens next?
In the coming weeks, the investigation is expected to focus on these aspects:
Component failure analysis of the Dreamliner’s hydraulic and power systems
Aircraft software diagnostics and design audits
Maintenance crew interviews and ground checklist reviews
If manufacturer or maintenance negligence is confirmed, there will be legal and financial consequences.
🕊️ In memory of those lost
This tragedy has left an indelible mark on Indian aviation. While one voice survived, 241 others were silenced. The onus is now on investigators, lawmakers and aviation experts to turn this tragedy into a lesson – a lesson that ensures such a disaster never happens again.
Stay tuned as we bring you continuous coverage of the investigation, survivor testimonies, aviation safety reforms and the voices of those affected.
📌 “Every black box hides a truth. This one calls for change.”
