Seconds to Disaster: The Final Moments of Air India Flight AI171

Air India Flight AI171 met a catastrophic end shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad, killing 241 passengers and causing destruction in a residential neighborhood. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner was en route to London Gatwick when it crashed just 1.5 kilometers from the runway, marking the first fatal crash involving this aircraft model since it began service in 2011.

Captain Sumeet Sabharwal and co-pilot Clive Kundar, both experienced pilots with a combined 9,000 flight hours, were at the controls. The flight departed at 13:39 local time with 242 people aboard and nearly 100 tonnes of fuel, a full load for the long journey. Almost immediately, the crew issued a mayday call, but no further communication was received. A lone survivor later recounted hearing a loud bang and the plane failing to gain altitude.

Video footage showed the aircraft flying unusually low over residential areas, managing only 625 feet in altitude before it began a steep descent and exploded. BBC Verify authenticated clips showing the plane vanishing behind buildings and trees before a massive fireball emerged. The crash devastated a densely built area near hospitals and administrative offices, with images showing widespread damage to structures.

Speculation has centered on a potential double engine failure, a rare scenario in commercial aviation. While experts mention bird strikes or fuel system issues as possible causes, there is no conclusive evidence yet. In 2009, a similar incident occurred in New York, where a bird strike brought down a jet, though that crew managed a safe landing. Investigators are now exploring whether something similar happened in Ahmedabad.

Bird strikes have become an increasing concern at Ahmedabad airport, known for heavy bird activity. Gujarat recorded 462 bird strike incidents over five years, and the airport alone saw a 35% increase between 2022 and 2023. Some pilots claim birds are frequently present during landings and takeoffs. Still, a senior pilot noted that bird impacts rarely cripple both engines unless in extreme circumstances.

There are also questions about whether the aircraft’s flaps were properly set for takeoff. Flaps provide critical lift during initial ascent, especially in hot weather with a fully loaded plane. On Thursday, temperatures reached 40°C, which would have required optimal configuration. Some experts think the flaps may not have been extended, but others argue such an error would have triggered onboard warnings to alert the crew.

As the investigation unfolds, authorities from India, the U.S., and the U.K. are joining forces to analyze the flight data recorders and aircraft debris. Both Boeing and engine maker GE Aerospace have pledged support. The aviation world now waits for answers to understand what caused one of India’s worst air disasters in recent years.