What Led to the Catastrophic Crash of Air India Flight AI-171? Shocking Details Unveiled
Tragic Aviation Incident Claims Lives
New Delhi: On Saturday, the Aviation Ministry disclosed that the final communication from the cockpit of the ill-fated Air India flight AI-171 was a desperate 'Mayday, Mayday' just moments before the aircraft tragically crashed shortly after departing from Ahmedabad, resulting in the loss of 241 lives.
The disaster struck a mere 36 seconds post-takeoff at 1:39 p.m., when the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, fully fueled, failed to ascend beyond 650 feet.
Air Traffic Control (ATC) in Ahmedabad received the emergency signal but lost contact shortly thereafter, leading to the aircraft's crash, which has sent shockwaves throughout the aviation industry regarding safety protocols.
The plane, unable to maintain its altitude, descended rapidly and exploded upon impact with a student hostel in Medhaninagar, a densely populated area located just 2 kilometers from the airport. Aviation Secretary S.K. Sinha reported that the ministry was informed around 2:00 p.m., approximately 20 minutes after the incident. 'The aircraft had 242 individuals on board — 230 passengers, 10 crew members, and two pilots,' he stated during a press briefing.
Captain Sumeet Sabharwal was at the helm, with First Officer Clive Sundar serving as co-pilot. The crash resulted in 241 fatalities, and the death toll may rise, including casualties on the ground, marking it as India's deadliest aviation disaster since the 2010 Mangaluru crash, which claimed 158 lives.
The aircraft had previously completed its Paris-Delhi-Ahmedabad route without any reported issues. However, after taking off from Ahmedabad towards Gatwick (London), the Dreamliner encountered what seems to be a catastrophic loss of thrust, with experts considering factors such as bird strikes or engine failure.
Officials have confirmed that the black box has been recovered, which is vital for reconstructing the sequence of events. More than 100 personnel, including 40 aviation engineers, have been dispatched to assist in the investigation and wreckage clearance.
Out of the 242 individuals on board, only one person survived, but this tragic event has reignited discussions surrounding air safety.