Facts about the Air India crash in Ahmedabad
🛫 Flight & Aircraft
Air India Flight 171, a Boeing 787‑8 Dreamliner (tail VT‑ANB), departed from Ahmedabad's Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on June 12, 2025 at approximately 13:38 IST, bound for London Gatwick
Crash Details
The jet lost altitude during initial climb, descending to about 625 feet before communication ceased, and then struck a hostel at B. J. Medical College (BJMC) in the Meghani Nagar locality
Casualties
Of the 242 people aboard (230 passengers, including 169 Indians, 53 Britons, 7 Portuguese, and 1 Canadian, plus 12 crew), 241 perished. Tragically, over 30 individuals on the ground—including medical students—were also killed. The sole survivor was Viswash Kumar Ramesh, seated near an emergency exit, who escaped with serious injuries.
Pilot Profile & Mayday
Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, a senior pilot with around 8,200 flight hours who had recently planned to retire to care for his father, issued a “Mayday” call before the crash. He is remembered as a hero for diverting the aircraft away from more densely populated areas.
First 787 Hull Loss
This was the first fatal crash and total loss of a Boeing 787 since its commercial introduction, prompting global scrutiny.
Crash Circumstances & Debris
The aircraft struck the UG hostel mess/dining block, causing fiery damage. Videos show smoke, student evacuations, and panic. Emergency services deployed multiple fire engines, ambulances, NDRF, CISF, army personnel, and more.
Investigation Status
Indian and U.S./U.K. aviation authorities, along with Boeing and GE, are investigating. Black boxes have been recovered. Early inquiries are examining possible engine failure (notably RAT deployment), flap or landing gear issues, and abnormal takeoff configuration.
Aftermath
Air India and Boeing face heightened safety scrutiny.
All Air India 787s were subjected to inspections; overflight delays followed.
Stocks of Boeing, IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Adani (airport operator) dropped in reaction.
Tata Group announced ₹1 crore (~US $120k) compensation to each victim's family and pledged support for rebuilding hostel infrastructure.
National leaders, including PM Modi, aviation and home ministers, and UK officials, expressed condolences and ordered swift support and coordination
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