Investigation Launched into Fatal Air India Flight 171 Crash

An investigation is currently underway into the tragic crash of Air India Flight 171, which occurred shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner was carrying 230 passengers and 12 crew members when it crashed into a residential building in the Meghaninager area, resulting in the deaths of 246 individuals, including five medical students inside the structure. The sole survivor, Vishwaskumar Ramesh, managed to escape the wreckage and is currently hospitalized in Ahmedabad.

The crash has sent shockwaves through the aviation community and raised serious questions regarding safety protocols and aircraft reliability. According to Shri G.V.G. Yugandhar, Director General of India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau, both black boxes from the aircraft have been recovered, with one sustaining damage but remaining intact. Investigators from the U.S. are expected to join their Indian counterparts in analyzing the data from these crucial devices.

The flight, which departed at 1:38 PM IST, was en route to the United Kingdom. Among the 242 individuals on board, 169 were Indian nationals, 53 were British, and the rest included one Canadian and seven Portuguese citizens. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences on social media, describing the incident as "heartbreaking beyond words."

Air India’s CEO, Campbell Wilson, confirmed the loss of 241 lives on board, stating that the airline is devastated and committed to cooperating fully with the ongoing investigations. Wilson visited the crash site and met with government stakeholders, pledging support for the victims' families. The Indian Directorate General of Civil Aviation confirmed that the plane crashed shortly after departing, falling outside the airport perimeter. Eyewitness accounts describe a fireball and thick smoke rising from the crash site.

In response to the disaster, India's Ministry of Civil Aviation is forming a multi-disciplinary committee to investigate the crash. This committee will evaluate various factors, including mechanical failure, human error, and weather conditions. The ministry aims to publish its findings within three months.

Tata Group, which owns Air India, announced plans to provide monetary compensation of ₹1 crore (approximately $116,000) to the families of the deceased and will cover medical expenses for injured individuals. Relief flights will also be organized for the next of kin of the passengers. In light of this incident, the aviation sector is facing increased scrutiny regarding safety practices and regulatory compliance in India.

The crash marks the first significant incident involving Boeing’s Dreamliner that resulted in passenger fatalities, raising concerns about the aircraft's operational safety. Boeing has not yet issued a public statement regarding the crash.

As the investigation unfolds, the implications for Air India and the broader aviation industry are substantial. Stakeholders are keenly awaiting the findings of the investigation, which may influence future regulations and safety measures in India’s aviation sector.