crashed 32 seconds after takeoff

Air India Flight 171 was a scheduled international flight from Ahmedabad to London that crashed shortly after takeoff on June 12, 2025. The crash resulted in the deaths of all 12 crew members, 229 of the 230 passengers on board, and 19 people on the ground, making it the first fatal crash involving a Boeing 787 Dreamliner. Details of the Crash Date and Time: The accident occurred at 13:39 IST (08:09 UTC) on June 12, 2025, just 32 seconds after the aircraft lifted off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. Aircraft: The flight was operated by a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, registration VT-ANB. Location: The plane crashed into the residential quarters (hostels) of the Byramjee Jeejeebhoy (BJ) Medical College and Civil Hospital, near the airport perimeter. Sole Survivor: There was only one survivor among the passengers and crew: Vishwas Kumar Romesh, a British national of Indian origin who was seated near an emergency exit. Investigation and Cause The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) of India is leading the probe into the crash, with assistance from US agencies like the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Preliminary Findings: A preliminary report released in July 2025 indicated that the fuel supply to both engines was cut off just seconds after takeoff, as the fuel control switches transitioned from 'RUN' to 'CUTOFF' position. This caused a sudden loss of thrust. Cockpit Confusion: Cockpit audio from the flight data recorder revealed confusion between the pilots regarding the fuel cutoff switches, with one pilot heard asking "Why did you cutoff?". A "Mayday" distress call, reporting "No Thrust, not taking lift", was issued just before impact. Controversy: The preliminary report has been contentious, with pilot associations and families of the victims alleging it unfairly points to pilot error while potentially diverting attention from a possible technical malfunction or design issue with the aircraft. The Supreme Court of India has since clarified that the investigation is meant to find the cause and prevent future tragedies, not to apportion blame. Current Status: The final investigation report is expected within a year of the crash. The probe is ongoing, and no definitive cause has been officially determined. #AI171 #AirIndia171 #AhmedabadPlaneCrash #aviationnews