Boeing 787 Dreamliner Goes Down in Residential Area Minutes After Departure to London
AHMEDABAD, INDIA – A tragic aviation incident unfolded on Thursday afternoon when Air India Flight AI-171, bound for London Gatwick, crashed shortly after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner was carrying 242 people when it went down in the Meghani Nagar neighborhood, marking a devastating day for Indian aviation.
Flight Details and Passenger Information
The ill-fated aircraft departed Ahmedabad at 1:38 PM local time with 232 passengers and 10 crew members aboard. The flight was scheduled as a direct service to London Gatwick Airport, representing one of Air India’s regular long-haul international routes.
The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner involved in the incident had been fully fueled for the transcontinental journey, which aviation experts note contributed to the intensity of the fire that erupted upon impact. This particular aircraft model has maintained a strong safety record since entering commercial service in 2011, making this incident particularly significant for the aviation industry.
Flight AI171, operating Ahmedabad-London Gatwick, was involved in an incident today, 12 June 2025. At this moment, we are ascertaining the details and will share further updates at the earliest on https://t.co/Fnw0ywg2Zt and on our X handle (https://t.co/Id1XFe9SfL).
-Air India…
— Air India (@airindia) June 12, 2025
Timeline of the Tragic Event
According to air traffic control records, the sequence of events unfolded rapidly after takeoff. The aircraft successfully departed from Runway 05 at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport but encountered difficulties almost immediately.
Moments after becoming airborne, the flight crew transmitted a “Mayday” distress call to air traffic control, indicating a serious emergency situation. However, no further communication was received from the cockpit before the aircraft went down.
The plane failed to gain sufficient altitude and crashed at approximately 825 feet above sea level, just outside the airport perimeter. Eyewitnesses in the area reported hearing the aircraft’s engines struggling before the impact occurred.
We are following reports of a crash of Air India flight #AI171 from Ahmedabad to London. We received the last signal from the aircraft at 08:08:51 UTC, just seconds after take off.
The aircraft involved is a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner with registration VT-ANB… pic.twitter.com/EmKKISJldF
— Flightradar24 (@flightradar24) June 12, 2025
Experienced Flight Crew at the Controls
The flight was under the command of Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, an experienced pilot with 8,200 flight hours to his credit. First Officer Clive Kundar, with 1,100 hours of flying experience, served as co-pilot for the journey.
Both crew members were qualified on the Boeing 787 aircraft type and held current certifications for international operations. The experience level of the flight crew has prompted investigators to look beyond pilot error as they examine potential causes for the accident.
Impact on Residential Community
The aircraft came down in Meghani Nagar, a populated residential neighborhood adjacent to the airport. Local residents reported hearing multiple explosions followed by thick plumes of black smoke rising from the crash site.
The impact and subsequent fire created scenes of chaos in the normally quiet residential area. However, authorities have not yet released information regarding casualties or damage to properties on the ground, as emergency response efforts continue.
Swift Emergency Response
Emergency services responded immediately to the crash site, with fire engines, ambulances, and rescue teams arriving within minutes of the incident. Local authorities quickly sealed roads around the impact area to facilitate rescue operations and maintain safety perimeters.
The proximity to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport enabled rapid deployment of specialized aviation emergency equipment. Airport fire and rescue services were among the first responders, working alongside city emergency personnel.
Investigation Launched by Aviation Authorities
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has initiated a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash. A technical team of aviation experts has been dispatched to the scene to begin the complex process of determining what caused the aircraft to go down.
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is leading the technical investigation, following standard international protocols for major aviation incidents. Investigators will examine multiple factors including weather conditions, aircraft maintenance records, crew qualifications, and air traffic control communications.
Air India has also launched its own internal investigation and is cooperating fully with government authorities. The airline has established a dedicated crisis management team to handle various aspects of the incident response.
Official Statements and Government Response
Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu has confirmed he is personally monitoring the situation and has directed all relevant agencies to take swift action. The minister emphasized the government’s commitment to a thorough investigation and appropriate support for affected families.
Air India leadership has expressed deep condolences to the families of those aboard the flight and assured ongoing support during this difficult time. The airline has activated its emergency response procedures and is working to provide assistance to relatives of passengers and crew members.
Prime Minister’s Office sources indicate that senior government officials are being briefed regularly on the investigation’s progress and response efforts.
Historical Significance for Boeing 787
This incident represents the first major crash involving a Boeing 787 Dreamliner since the aircraft type entered commercial service in 2011. The 787 family has maintained an exemplary safety record throughout its operational history, making this event particularly noteworthy for aviation safety experts worldwide.
The Boeing 787-8 variant involved in the crash is part of Air India’s modern long-haul fleet, which the airline has been expanding as part of its international route development strategy.
Aviation Industry Impact
The incident has prompted immediate attention from aviation authorities and airlines operating the Boeing 787 worldwide. While investigators emphasize it is too early to draw conclusions about the cause, the aviation community will closely monitor the investigation’s findings.
Air India operates multiple Boeing 787 aircraft on various international routes, and the airline will likely review its operational procedures as a precautionary measure while the investigation proceeds.
Ongoing Developments
As rescue and investigation efforts continue, authorities are working to establish communication with families of passengers and crew members. Air India has set up dedicated helplines and support centers to assist relatives seeking information about their loved ones.
The investigation is expected to take several months to complete, as aviation accident inquiries require detailed analysis of multiple factors and extensive technical examination of aircraft components and systems.
Weather conditions at the time of departure were reported as suitable for flight operations, though investigators will examine all meteorological data as part of their comprehensive review.
The aviation community worldwide awaits further details as investigators work to understand what led to this tragic incident involving one of modern aviation’s most advanced aircraft types.
Follow Us on Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | Flipboard | Google News
