Ahmedabad plane crash: A devastating aviation accident and incident shocked the nation on June 12, 2025, when Air India Flight 171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad Airport. The airplane collided with a building on the campus of B. J. Medical College, killing over 279 people, including 241 onboard and more than 38 on the ground.
This catastrophic accident is now the deadliest in India in decades and the first fatal hull loss of a Boeing 787 Dreamliner.
Flight and Aircraft Details
The flight, designated AI171, was a regularly scheduled international service from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick Airport, operated by Air India. The aircraft, registered as VT-ANB, was delivered in 2014 and powered by General Electric GEnx-1B67 engines.
The aircraft pilot, Captain Sumeet Sabharwal (55), had 8,200 hours of flight experience, while First Officer Clive Kunder (32) had 1,100 hours. Together, they were operating a relatively routine departure from Ahmedabad Airport on a calm afternoon—with no significant weather events reported.
What Went Wrong? Timeline of the Accident
At exactly 13:38 IST, Air India Flight 171 took off from runway 23. Within 30 seconds, the aircraft pilot reported a complete loss of power and issued a mayday. The flight had reached just 625 feet before the airplane began descending rapidly.
Multiple videos captured the final moments of the aircraft as it struggled to stay airborne before crashing into the hostel block of B. J. Medical College in Meghaninagar. The crash site, only 1.5 km from the runway, became engulfed in flames within seconds.
Experts suggest that a dual engine failure occurred, triggering the automatic deployment of the aircraft’s ram air turbine—a backup power system, rarely seen in typical aviation accident and incident cases.
Collision with the Hostel Building
The airplane struck a residential block used by doctors and students. Witnesses heard multiple explosions as the aircraft tore through structures, igniting fires and causing panic in the densely populated Ahmedabad neighborhood.
The wreckage of the aircraft’s tail section came to rest on top of a multi-storey building. Tragically, the accident occurred during lunch hours when over 80 medical students were present in the hostel’s dining area. While many escaped, around 10 to 12 students were caught in the inferno.
Passengers, Crew, and Victims
The flight had 242 occupants: 230 passengers and 12 crew. Among them were:
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169 Indian nationals
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53 British citizens
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7 Portuguese
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1 Canadian
Only 1 survivor was reported: a 40-year-old British passenger seated at 11A, near an emergency exit. He escaped when that section of the aircraft detached and landed intact. His brother, seated elsewhere, perished.
On the ground, 38+ were kill and 60+ injured—most of them students and staff of the medical college. Identification was complicated by extreme temperatures, reaching 1,500°C, which rendered DNA analysis challenging.
Rescue Operations: A Race Against Time
Immediately after the accident, the Ahmedabad Fire Department initiated a “brigade call.” Over 300 firefighters, 60 fire vehicles, and 20 water bowsers were deployed. Support came from multiple state and central agencies, including:
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Indian Army
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National Disaster Response Force (NDRF)
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Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF)
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Central Industrial Security Force (CISF)
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Border Security Force (BSF)
The airport was shut down temporarily to aid rescue efforts, and surrounding roads were seal off. Earthmovers and ambulances worked tirelessly to remove debris and search for survivors.
Response from Air India Limited and Boeing Co
Both Air India Limited and Boeing Co have launched investigations. The black box and cockpit voice recorder were recover and sent for analysis. Boeing issued a statement expressing grief and promised full cooperation.
This crash is not only Air India’s worst since the 1985 Flight 182 bombing but also the first Boeing 787 Dreamliner accident involving fatalities—raising serious concerns about aircraft safety.
Global and National News Reactions
The Ahmedabad Plane Crash has dominated news headlines worldwide. India’s Prime Minister expressed condolences and promised a transparent probe. The UK, Portugal, and Canada offered support for their affected citizens.
Memorials are being held in Ahmedabad, London, and Lisbon to honor the victims.
Ongoing Investigation: Technical or Human Error?
While investigations are ongoing, preliminary findings suggest:
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Dual engine failure
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Loss of electrical systems
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Possible fuel contamination or software failure
Analysts are also scrutinizing Boeing‘s quality checks and Air India Limited‘s maintenance logs. Previous complaints from pilots about the reliability of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner now seem more alarming.
Implications for Aviation Safety
This aviation accident and incident could lead to:
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Stricter regulations on flight checks
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Real-time engine telemetry monitoring
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Revised aircraft pilot training protocols
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Immediate review of Air India’s entire fleet
Experts suggest that airplane design, emergency landing protocols, and airport proximity to urban zones need urgent reconsideration.
In Memory of the Victims
This tragedy reminds us that despite advances in aircraft technology, human lives remain vulnerable. From children and families onboard to hardworking students in the hostel, the loss is immeasurable.
As the investigation continues, the focus must be on learning, accountability, and preventing another Ahmedabad Plane Crash from ever happening again.
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Final Words
Ahmedabad plane crash, The crash of Air India Flight 171 is a heartbreaking chapter in aviation history. From the technicalities of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner to the emotional stories of those on board and below, this incident has left an indelible mark.
We will continue to update this space as more facts emerge. For now, the world mourns.
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