Seconds to Disaster: What Brought Down Air India Flight AI171?AHMEDABAD, India — Air India Flight AI171 crashed 39 seconds after takeoff from Ahmedabad, killing 241 passengers on board and raising urgent questions about how a modern Boeing 787 Dreamliner plunged from the sky in broad daylight. The aircraft slammed into a residential neighborhood near the airport on June 12, 2025, igniting a fireball and leaving wreckage scattered across buildings and roads.
The London-bound jet lifted off at 1:39 p.m. local time with 242 people on board and nearly 100 tonnes of fuel. Within moments, the pilots issued a mayday call. Then, total silence.
Indian investigators are now examining the aircraft’s flight data and cockpit voice recorders commonly called “black boxes” as they work to determine what went wrong. According to aviation protocol under the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), a preliminary report is expected within 30 days.
The Focus: Engines, Flaps, or Human Error?
Captain Sumeet Sabharwal and First Officer Clive Kundar were in control of the jet when it failed. Analysts are looking into whether both engines failed due to bird strikes, fuel contamination, or an accidental fuel shutoff. Other possibilities include maintenance errors or improper flap settings, which are critical for generating lift during takeoff, especially in extreme heat.
“This is the rarest of the rare,” said Captain Kishore Chinta, referencing the extremely short time the aircraft remained airborne. “Nothing like this has happened just seconds after takeoff under controlled conditions.”
Engine damage will be key in revealing if they were producing thrust at impact. “Fractured turbines tell their own story,” said one U.S.-based crash investigator. “If they were spinning, the damage pattern will show it.”
Black Boxes Could Hold the Answers
Both data and voice recorders from the aircraft were recovered and transported to Delhi for analysis. These devices capture precise inputs flap settings, engine thrust, fuel flow, and even switch positions. Audio files will reveal communications between the pilots and air traffic control, along with ambient cockpit sounds.
“If the engines were at full power, attention turns to lift mechanics,” one expert noted. “If the flaps and slats were configured correctly and no mechanical fault is found, investigators are facing a difficult case.”
Was It a Systemic Fault or One-Off Failure?
Boeing’s 787 is a technologically advanced aircraft. Its automated flight control system manages navigation, fuel use, and engine performance. If the fault traces back to software or control systems, it may have broader safety implications.
There are over 1,100 Boeing 787s in operation globally. Experts say if this crash was caused by a system failure, regulators would need to respond quickly to protect other flights. “Systemic issues change the nature of an investigation,” one analyst explained.
India’s Civil Aviation Ministry said initial inspections of 24 out of Air India’s 33 Boeing 787s found no major safety concerns. Maintenance and operations were found to be compliant with standards.
Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg said the company is cooperating fully with the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) of India, in line with global protocol.
What Investigators Are Looking At
Investigators from India, Boeing, engine manufacturer GE, and representatives from the U.S. and UK are now examining:
- Engine Wreckage: To determine if turbines were spinning and producing thrust.
- Fuel Systems: Lines, filters, and valves are being checked for contamination.
- Maintenance Logs: To trace any recurring technical issues or last-minute repairs.
- ACARS Data: Aircraft communication logs may reveal faults prior to the crash.
- Crew History: Pilot training, simulator performance, and reported issues are under review.
- Component Replacements: Recently installed parts are being checked for defects.
Each piece of wreckage will be cataloged, tagged, and examined. In some cases, investigators reconstruct the entire aircraft inside a hangar. But experts say in this case, the flight data may provide enough clarity to avoid a full rebuild.
Advanced Tech, But No Easy Answers
Technology has made modern crash investigations more precise. “One of my first cases had a recorder tracking just four variables,” said one expert. “Today, they record thousands per second.”
Investigators say they can often determine what happened quickly but understanding why takes longer. In this case, the answer may rest in a few seconds of cockpit audio and the behavior of two jet engines under extreme pressure.
As the investigation unfolds, safety officials worldwide are watching closely. What brought down Flight AI171 may redefine safety standards or expose a hidden flaw in one of the world’s most advanced airliners.
