Tragedy in the Skies: The Ahmedabad Plane Crash of AI171

Mayday Over Meghaninagar

On a calm Thursday morning, June 12, 2025, Air India flight AI171 took off from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport en route to London Gatwick. Just ten minutes after liftoff, at 11:42 AM IST, the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner issued a “Mayday” call, alerting air traffic control to severe engine failure and a suspected electrical systems collapse. Within minutes, the aircraft plunged into the densely populated Meghaninagar locality, erupting into flames.

Casualties and Chaos

The crash has claimed 164 lives, including all 148 passengers and 12 crew members, as well as four civilians on the ground. Among the deceased was Vijay Rupani, former Chief Minister of Gujarat, who was reportedly flying to London for a health consultation. His presence on the flight had not been publicized, making the news all the more shocking. Initial reports also confirmed the death of the aircraft's pilot, Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, a decorated veteran with 22 years of service.

Witnesses Speak Out

“I saw a huge black cloud in the sky and then a massive boom,” said Arif Hussain, a tea vendor just two blocks away. “Flames rose higher than the electric poles. It felt like an earthquake. People were screaming, running.”

Emergency responders reached the site within minutes, with teams from BJ Medical College treating the injured and NDRF units pulling out bodies from the debris. Rescue operations continued for over 14 hours as fire crews battled stubborn flames and unstable wreckage.

The Aircraft: A Boing 787 Dreamliner

The aircraft involved was a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, tail number VT-ANB, known for its long-range efficiency and modern tech. Ironically, the Dreamliner had just cleared its 10,000-hour maintenance check in May 2025. According to sources from DGCA, the aircraft showed no signs of malfunction prior to takeoff.

However, audio from the black box—now recovered—revealed Captain Sabharwal’s last words: “We’ve lost power… engine one’s gone, controls unresponsive… mayday, mayday…”

Speculations and Investigation

Though DGCA and Air India have refrained from assigning blame, aviation experts suspect a dual-engine stall potentially linked to fuel contamination or software failure. Boeing has dispatched a global team to assist Indian authorities. Meanwhile, Air India, now owned by Tata Sons, faces intense scrutiny.

Adding to investor panic, Air India share price plummeted 17% on the Bombay Stock Exchange, while Boeing’s global shares dropped 6% following the incident. Boeing’s safety track record, already under fire since the 737 Max controversies, is again under the microscope.

Vijay Rupani: A Political Loss

Perhaps the most politically jarring aspect of the tragedy was the death of Vijay Rupani, Gujarat’s 16th Chief Minister and a senior BJP figure. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, visibly shaken, addressed the nation:

“We have lost a son of Gujarat and many innocent lives. This is a dark day for India.”

Condolences poured in from across the globe, with UK PM Keir Starmer also offering support, as many of the passengers were Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) based in London.

The “Mayday” Call: What It Means

A "Mayday" call is the aviation world’s universal distress signal, indicating grave and imminent danger. It’s used only when life is at serious risk — such as when systems fail or fire breaks out mid-flight. The use of the call in AI171 confirms the rapid descent into chaos aboard the aircraft.

Aftermath and Questions

The Gujarat government has announced a state-wide day of mourning. Schools are closed, flags fly at half-mast, and candlelight vigils are being held in cities like Rajkot, Surat, and Ahmedabad.

Questions now abound:

• Was the aircraft truly “fit to fly”?
• Was the crew trained adequately for emergency overrides?
• Could the air traffic control have rerouted the plane to attempt a belly landing?
• Did Air India’s cost-cutting under Tata Sons compromise safety?

National and International Reactions

In New Delhi, Ram Mohan Naidu, the Aviation Minister, promised a swift and transparent probe. He assured the public that no detail would be left untouched.

Meanwhile, Zee News, Republic TV, and NDTV are running continuous live coverage, showing heart-wrenching visuals of burnt passports, melted luggage, and emotional interviews with family members waiting outside BJMC Hospital.

Conclusion: A Nation in Mourning

The Ahmedabad plane crash is not just an aviation tragedy—it’s a national catastrophe that shook India's soul. With 164 lives lost and public faith in air travel shaken, the crash of Air India Flight AI171 raises urgent questions about airline safety, emergency protocols, and accountability at the highest levels.