Inside the Cockpit: What Went Wrong on Air India Flight AI-171
On June 12, 2025, a catastrophic tragedy struck Indian aviation when Air India flight AI-171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner en route from Ahmedabad to Gatwick, London, crashed moments after take-off. The crash occurred around 1:38 PM, only minutes after the plane lifted off from Ahmedabad Airport. All 242 people on board—including 230 passengers and 12 crew members—are feared dead, making this one of India’s deadliest aviation disasters in recent history.
Preliminary assessments and expert analyses suggest the plane encountered immediate mechanical distress. According to aviation experts and video footage reviewed by NDTV, the aircraft struggled to achieve proper altitude and failed to generate sufficient lift—a crucial aerodynamic force that allows planes to remain airborne. It reached only 672 feet before it began descending rapidly and crashed in a fiery explosion.
Eyewitness videos show the Dreamliner visibly wobbling, with landing gear still down, and making minimal forward speed. Aviation analysts believe the engines failed to provide adequate thrust, as the aircraft’s speed was measured at just 174 knots—far below the optimal range required for safe climb-out during take-off. The situation became critical within seconds, and the pilots reportedly issued a Mayday call shortly after becoming airborne.
Experts suggest that inside the cockpit, the pilots were likely pulling hard on the yoke in a desperate effort to gain altitude. But with insufficient thrust from the engines and declining lift, the aircraft could not maintain its ascent. Captain Saurabh Bhatnagar, a former senior pilot, told NDTV, “The take-off seemed fine initially, but right before the landing gear was pulled up, the aircraft started descending. This usually indicates a sudden engine power loss or failure to generate lift. The investigation will have to determine the exact cause.”
This incident marks a grim moment for the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, an aircraft that had previously boasted an immaculate safety record. The model is widely used by airlines for long-haul international routes due to its fuel efficiency and advanced engineering. Until this tragedy, the Dreamliner had been celebrated for its reliability and cutting-edge flight systems.
The passengers included 169 Indian nationals, 53 British citizens, one Canadian, and seven Portuguese nationals. Families are reeling from the disaster as rescue teams and aviation experts sift through debris and black box data for answers. Air India has set up a 24/7 emergency hotline (1800 5691 444) for family members and relatives of the victims.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the incident. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), he said, “The tragedy in Ahmedabad has stunned and saddened us. It is heartbreaking beyond words. In this sad hour, my thoughts are with everyone affected by it. Have been in touch with ministers and authorities who are working to assist those affected.”
Authorities have launched a full-scale investigation into the crash. India's Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) are working closely with Boeing and international aviation bodies to determine the root cause. Early speculation centers around either a severe mechanical failure, possibly linked to the engines, or a catastrophic system malfunction that deprived the aircraft of lift.
Flight AI-171 was reportedly operating under routine conditions with no apparent weather anomalies. The sudden and steep descent points to either power loss from both engines or a failure in the flight control systems that prevented the aircraft from responding to pilot inputs. The black box, once recovered, is expected to provide crucial data about engine performance, pilot commands, and system diagnostics in the final seconds before the crash.
This tragedy has reignited debates over aircraft maintenance protocols, pilot training, and emergency response readiness. While the Dreamliner is a modern marvel of aviation, critics argue that even sophisticated systems can fail if not rigorously maintained and inspected. In recent years, Air India has faced scrutiny over its aging fleet and maintenance standards, and this disaster will likely place the airline under intensified regulatory and public examination.
In the coming weeks, much attention will be focused on how both national and international aviation agencies respond. The families of the victims will be looking for answers, accountability, and justice. The Indian aviation community, meanwhile, faces a critical reckoning—how could such a tragedy occur within minutes of take-off in an aircraft known for its safety?
As the nation mourns this colossal loss of life, experts urge for patience until the investigation is complete. For now, India and the world watch in grief, hoping that the lessons learned from flight AI-171 will help prevent such horrors in the future.