Air India AI171 Crash: Was It a Bird Strike? What We Know So Far

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An air India crash has sent shockwaves through the aviation community after Flight AI-171 went down near Ahmedabad Airport following a catastrophic bird strike. The Boeing 787 aircraft, bound for London, reportedly experienced dual engine failure shortly after takeoff, tragically resulting in the aircraft plummeting to the ground in a residential area. Emergency services rushed to the scene as thick plumes of smoke billowed from the crash site. Initially, communication between the flight deck and air traffic control indicated a MAYDAY call before contact was lost. Subsequently, aviation experts have pointed to the bird strike as the likely cause of the engine failure that led to this devastating incident. This article examines the circumstances surrounding the AI171 bird strike, the emergency response efforts and the wider implications for Boeing 787 safety in the wake of this disaster.

Air India Flight AI-171 Crashes After Takeoff in Ahmedabad

Air India’s Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft plunged to the ground minutes after departure from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad on Thursday afternoon. The London-bound flight crashed in a residential area, marking the first-ever crash of a Boeing 787 aircraft.

Flight details and route

Flight AI-171 was scheduled to fly from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick Airport with 242 people on board, according to Air India’s statement ¹. The aircraft departed from runway 23 at precisely 1:39 PM local time (08:09 UTC) ². The flight manifest revealed a diverse group of passengers: 169 Indian nationals, 53 British citizens, seven Portuguese nationals, and one Canadian ³. Among those on board were 11 children ⁴. The flight was expected to arrive at London Gatwick Airport at 6:25 PM local time ⁵.

Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, a Line Training Captain with 8,200 hours of flying experience, commanded the aircraft ². First Officer Clive Kundar, who had accumulated 1,100 hours of flight experience, assisted him ². Additionally, the crew comprised 10 cabin staff members, bringing the total number of people aboard to 242, though some sources reported 244 passengers and crew ⁵.

Initial MAYDAY call and crash location

Moments after takeoff, Captain Sabharwal issued a MAYDAY call to Ahmedabad air traffic control ⁶. This internationally recognised distress signal indicates a life-threatening emergency requiring immediate assistance ¹. However, after this distress call, all communication ceased despite repeated attempts by air traffic controllers to re-establish contact ¹.

The aircraft climbed to approximately 625 feet before beginning a rapid descent ⁴. According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, the plane crashed merely five minutes after taking off at 1:38 PM local time ⁶. Flight tracking service Flightradar24 reported receiving the final signal from the aircraft just seconds after takeoff ¹.

The Boeing 787 crashed into Meghani Nagar, a residential area near the airport ⁶. Heavy black smoke was visible rising from the accident site ². Some local reports suggested the aircraft had struck a building housing medical students ⁴. Consequently, emergency services rushed to the scene as the disaster unfolded in a densely populated area.

Aircraft type and fuel load

The ill-fated aircraft was a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner registered as VT-ANB ². This particular plane was approximately 11 years old, having been delivered to Air India in February 2014 ². Prior to operating the international flight AI-171, the aircraft had completed a domestic journey earlier that day, flying as AI423 from Delhi to Ahmedabad ².

The 787 Dreamliner is a widebody, twin-engine plane introduced in 2009 ⁵. Since then, Boeing has delivered more than 1,000 of these aircraft to dozens of airlines worldwide ². Notably, this crash represents a significant aviation milestone as it marks the first hull loss (total destruction) of a Boeing 787 aircraft since the model entered service ².

As is typical for long-haul international flights, the aircraft was carrying a substantial fuel load at the time of the crash ². This heavy fuel burden exacerbated the intensity of the explosion and subsequent fire, making rescue operations particularly challenging ². Firefighters worked diligently to douse the smoking wreckage of the plane, which was fully loaded with fuel shortly after takeoff ⁷.

Emergency Services Launch Rescue Operations at Crash Site

Massive rescue operations commenced immediately after Air India Flight AI-171 plunged into Ahmedabad’s Meghani Nagar area. Emergency services faced a daunting task as thick black smoke billowed from the crash site, with debris scattered across the densely populated neighbourhood.

Fire and ambulance response

Fire tenders rushed to the location within minutes to battle the intense blaze, as confirmed by fire officer Jayesh Khadia ⁸. The aircraft’s substantial fuel load for the international journey intensified the fire, creating hazardous conditions for rescuers. More than five firefighting vehicles from various city divisions were dispatched to control the flames ⁹. Firefighters worked tirelessly, hosing down the area to prevent further spread of the fire amid the wreckage.

Simultaneously, numerous ambulances converged on the scene to transport the injured to nearby medical facilities. The authorities established green corridors across Ahmedabad to ensure swift movement of emergency vehicles through the city’s typically congested streets. Many injured passengers were taken to the city civil hospital for immediate treatment ⁸. Air India confirmed that “the injured are being taken to the nearest hospitals” ¹⁰.

Furthermore, Western Railway deployed a dedicated ‘Hospital Team’ comprising six doctors, 20 medical staff, and seven ambulances to assist in the rescue efforts ⁵. This rapid medical response proved crucial in providing immediate care to survivors.

Deployment of NDRF teams

The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) mobilised significant resources following the crash. Three NDRF teams, consisting of approximately 90 personnel, were immediately deployed from Gandhinagar to the crash site ². The disaster management authority also dispatched three additional teams from Vadodara to strengthen the rescue operations ².

Amidst the chaos, the Ahmedabad Police worked diligently to clear roads around the crash site. A senior police officer stated: “Within 2-3 minutes, police and other agencies reached the spot. Almost 70-80% of the area has been cleared. All agencies are working here” ². This prompt response facilitated the creation of a green corridor, allowing ambulances unimpeded access to and from the crash site.

The coordination between multiple agencies – including police, fire services, NDRF, and medical teams – showcased India’s emergency response capabilities during this catastrophic event. Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu confirmed: “All efforts are being made to ensure medical aid and relief support are being rushed to the site” ¹¹.

Eyewitness accounts from nearby residents

Local residents provided harrowing accounts of the disaster. One eyewitness recalled: “I was at home when we heard a massive sound. When we went out to see what had happened, there was a layer of thick smoke in the air. When we came here, dead bodies and debris from the crashed aircraft were scattered all over” ⁸.

Another witness, whose office was approximately 200 metres from the crash site, described the terrifying scene: “As soon as I stepped out of the office, I heard a very loud noise, and smoke filled the area suddenly. A commotion broke out here and then we saw that this accident had occurred” ¹².

The aircraft reportedly crashed into a building belonging to BJ Medical College, where resident doctors were staying ¹². A woman named Ramila expressed relief that her son survived despite the plane hitting his hostel: “My son had gone to the hostel during lunch break, and the plane crashed there. My son is safe, and I have spoken to him. He jumped from the second floor, so he suffered some injuries” ¹³.

The Federation of All India Medical Associations (FAIMA) shared images showing parts of the aircraft embedded in the hostel mess building. Dr Akshay Dongardhive of FAIMA estimated that approximately 20-30 students could have been injured on the ground ¹², though official confirmation of these figures remains pending as rescue operations continue.

Government and Airline Officials Respond to Tragedy

Top government officials and Air India executives have issued urgent responses following the crash of Flight AI-171 in Ahmedabad, mobilising resources and establishing emergency communication channels.

Statements from PM Modi and President Murmu

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed profound grief over the tragedy, calling it “heartbreaking beyond words” ¹⁴. He confirmed he had spoken directly with Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu to assess the situation and instructed the minister to rush to Ahmedabad ⁴. “The Prime Minister has directed the Minister to ensure all necessary support is extended immediately and asked to be kept regularly updated on the situation,” a government source stated ².

President Droupadi Murmu described the crash as “a heart-rending disaster” in her statement ¹⁵. “My thoughts and prayers are with the affected people. The nation stands with them in this hour of indescribable grief,” she added ¹⁶.

Home Minister Amit Shah likewise voiced his distress, stating he was “pained beyond words” ¹⁵. Shah confirmed he personally spoke with Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and other state officials before heading to Ahmedabad to oversee rescue operations ¹⁷.

Air India’s official communication

Air India Chairman N Chandrasekaran issued a solemn statement confirming the tragic accident: “With profound sorrow I confirm that Air India flight, AI 171 operating Ahmedabad–London Gatwick was involved in a tragic accident today” ². The airline’s first brief communication acknowledged the incident while stating they were “ascertaining the details” ⁶.

Chandrasekaran emphasised that their “primary focus is on supporting all the affected people and their families” ². He assured that the airline was “doing everything in our power to assist the emergency response teams at the site” ². Moreover, he confirmed that support teams had been established for families seeking information about their loved ones.

Operational control rooms and helplines activated

Authorities swiftly established multiple emergency control rooms throughout the country. The Ministry of Civil Aviation activated an Operational Control Room with dedicated helplines: 011-24610843 and 9650391859 ¹. Additionally, the Gujarat State Emergency Operation Centre launched its own helpline accessible at 079-23251900 and 9978405304 ¹⁸.

Air India established a dedicated passenger helpline (1800 5691 444) for families seeking information ¹. Furthermore, the Ahmedabad airport control room can be reached at 9974111327 ¹.

The UK government likewise responded promptly, offering support to British nationals involved. “The UK is working with local authorities in India to urgently establish the facts and provide support to those involved,” an official statement read ¹⁹. British nationals requiring assistance were directed to call 020 7008 5000 ¹.

Throughout this unfolding tragedy, official communications have emphasised coordination between central and state authorities. The Prime Minister’s Office confirmed that “all relevant agencies are on high alert, and coordinated efforts are underway” ⁴ as the nation grapples with one of its worst aviation disasters in recent years.

Bird Strike Suspected as Primary Cause of Engine Failure

Aviation experts have identified multiple bird strikes as the most probable cause behind the devastating Air India crash in Ahmedabad. The rapid loss of power shortly after takeoff presents a compelling case for wildlife interference with both engines.

Expert analysis on bird strike impact

Captain Saurabh Bhatnagar, a former senior pilot, assessed the situation as “prima facie, a case of multiple bird hits wherein both the engines have lost power” ⁷. This evaluation aligns with the aircraft’s behaviour pattern—a smooth initial ascent followed by sudden descent. “The takeoff appeared smooth, but shortly before the gear was retracted, the aircraft began descending—which strongly indicates engine power loss or a failure to generate lift,” Bhatnagar explained ⁷.

Aviation expert Sanjay Lazar confirmed this assessment, noting the aircraft experienced “a catastrophic failure to gain lift at a very low altitude of just 825 feet” ³. Indeed, the multiple bird strikes theory helps explain why the aircraft could not achieve sufficient power to maintain altitude despite an otherwise normal takeoff procedure.

Timeline of descent and engine failure

Flight AI171 departed from Runway 23 at precisely 1:39 PM local time ⁷. The aircraft climbed briefly before encountering critical issues. According to Flightradar24 data, “the aircraft reached a maximum barometric altitude of 625 feet” before beginning its descent “with a vertical speed of -475 feet per minute” ³.

Captain Sabharwal issued the international distress signal “Mayday” to air traffic control, clearly indicating an emergency situation ⁷. Unfortunately, after this critical communication, all contact ceased. The DGCA confirmed that “the ATC received the Mayday call but failed to respond in time” ⁷.

Ongoing investigation by DGCA and AAIB

Presently, both the Directorate General of Civil Aviation and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau have launched comprehensive investigations ²⁰. Teams from Delhi have been dispatched to the crash site ²⁰. Recovery efforts for the flight data recorder (FDR) and cockpit voice recorder (CVR)—collectively known as “black boxes”—have commenced ³.

These critical devices will help investigators reconstruct the final moments of flight AI171 and confirm whether bird strikes were indeed responsible for the dual engine failure. Until this technical analysis is complete, authorities continue gathering evidence from the crash site.

Airport Shutdown Disrupts Travel; Railways Step In

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (SVPIA) in Ahmedabad has ceased all operations in the wake of the air India crash, leaving hundreds of travellers stranded and prompting emergency transportation alternatives.

Temporary suspension of flights at SVPIA

Following the catastrophic crash of Flight AI-171, authorities immediately halted all flight operations at Ahmedabad’s international airport. “As a result, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, Ahmedabad, is currently not operational. All flight operations are temporarily suspended until further notice,” an SVPIA spokesperson confirmed ²¹. According to a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM), flight operations will remain suspended until UTC 12:00 (05:30 pm IST) ²². This unscheduled closure has affected dozens of scheduled departures and arrivals, creating a ripple effect across India’s air transport network. The suspension encompasses all commercial flights, including domestic and international services to and from Ahmedabad. Several airlines, including IndiGo and SpiceJet, have already issued travel advisories regarding the closure ¹¹.

Indian Railways deploys Vande Bharat trains

In response to the airport shutdown, Indian Railways has activated emergency transport protocols. Two air-conditioned special trains are scheduled to depart at midnight tonight from Ahmedabad, with one heading to Delhi and another to Mumbai ²³. These special services aim to accommodate passengers stranded due to flight cancellations. The Railways’ swift intervention mirrors previous emergency deployments, such as when they arranged special Vande Bharat Express services during similar aviation disruptions ²⁴. These premium trains offer comfortable travel alternatives with minimal stops to expedite journeys. The railway authorities have advised passengers to secure reservations promptly, as only those with confirmed bookings will be permitted to board these emergency services.

Advice for stranded passengers

Travellers affected by the airport closure have been urged to verify their flight status before heading to the airport. “Passengers are advised to check with their respective airlines for the latest updates before proceeding to the airport. We request your cooperation and patience as authorities manage this evolving situation,” stated the SVPIA spokesperson ²¹. Multiple airlines have established dedicated information channels for affected customers. IndiGo has issued a specific travel advisory addressing the situation ¹¹. Air India has activated a passenger hotline (1800 5691 444) for those seeking information about the crash and subsequent travel disruptions ²⁵. Additionally, Ahmedabad City Police has established an emergency helpline (079-25620359) for general updates and assistance ²⁶. Passengers holding valid tickets for cancelled flights may be eligible for rescheduling without additional charges or full refunds, depending on individual airline policies.

Conclusion

Catastrophic Air Disaster Leaves Nation in Mourning

The devastating crash of Air India Flight AI-171 marks a tragic milestone as the first-ever hull loss of a Boeing 787 Dreamliner since the aircraft entered commercial service. What began as a routine London-bound journey transformed within minutes into one of India’s most catastrophic aviation disasters, claiming numerous lives and sending shockwaves throughout the international community.

Multiple bird strikes appear almost certainly responsible for the dual engine failure that doomed the aircraft shortly after takeoff. This unfortunate collision between wildlife and aviation technology resulted in catastrophic consequences, highlighting the persistent dangers birds pose to aircraft despite modern safety systems. Accordingly, questions regarding wildlife management around airports will undoubtedly feature prominently in subsequent investigations.

Emergency services demonstrated remarkable coordination amidst extraordinarily challenging circumstances. Firefighters battled intense flames fueled by the aircraft’s substantial fuel load while medical teams worked tirelessly to save those they could reach. The National Disaster Response Force mobilised significant resources, showcasing India’s emergency response capabilities during this unprecedented crisis.

Government officials, including Prime Minister Modi and President Murmu, responded swiftly with statements of support and practical assistance. Additionally, Air India established dedicated helplines for affected families while working alongside emergency responders at the crash site. Such rapid mobilisation of resources reflects the gravity with which authorities treated this disaster.

The temporary closure of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport consequently disrupted travel plans for hundreds of passengers. Nevertheless, Indian Railways stepped in admirably, deploying special Vande Bharat services to transport stranded travellers.

Investigation teams now face the critical task of recovering and analysing the flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder. These devices will undoubtedly provide essential insights into the final moments of Flight AI-171. Though preliminary evidence strongly suggests bird strikes as the primary cause, thorough investigation remains necessary to confirm this assessment and potentially identify additional contributing factors.

Above all, this tragedy serves as a sombre reminder of aviation’s inherent risks despite remarkable safety advances. Families across multiple nations now mourn loved ones lost in this disaster. The coming days and weeks will surely bring both grief and demands for accountability as the full impact of this catastrophic event continues to unfold.

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