By Vinod Ram 
On 12 June 2025, Air India Flight AI 171, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner en route from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, crashed shortly after takeoff, killing over 260 people. This marks the first fatal accident involving the 787 model since its debut in 2011.
In this blog, we explore the aircraft’s advanced features, its safety legacy, and the details surrounding the devastating crash.
Aircraft Overview: Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner
The Boeing 787 Dreamliner is widely regarded as one of the most innovative and fuel-efficient aircraft of its class. Flight AI 171 was operated by VT-ANB, a 787-8 model, delivered to Air India in 2014.
Key Features:
- Composite Structure: Over 50% carbon fiber reinforced plastic — making it lighter and more fuel-efficient.
- Fuel Efficiency: 20% less fuel burn than similarly sized aircraft.
- Cabin Comfort:
- Higher humidity and lower cabin altitude reduce jet lag.
- Larger windows with electronic dimming.
- Quiet cabin and smoother ride technology.
- Capacity: Typically 242 passengers in a two-class configuration; Air India configures it with 256 seats across Business and Economy.
Luxury & Passenger Experience:
- Business Class:
- Fully lie-flat seats
- Large IFE screens
- Fine Indian and international cuisine
- Priority boarding, amenity kits, and lounge access
- Economy Class:
- Generous seat pitch
- Personal seatback entertainment systems
- Meal and drink service even on mid-haul routes
Safety Record Before the Crash
The Boeing 787 series had a strong safety record. Prior to this incident, there had been no fatal crashes involving this aircraft in commercial service. Known for its redundant systems, modern cockpit, and electronic architecture, the 787 was designed with safety in mind.
Air India had incorporated:
- Routine Inspections
- Software & Avionics Upgrades
- Pilot Recurrent Training Programs
- Partnership with Boeing for Maintenance Support
The Crash: What Happened on 12 June 2025
Timeline:
- Takeoff: ~13:38 IST from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport.
- Crash Site: Just 30 seconds later, the aircraft crashed into the BJ Medical College hostel in the Meghani Nagar area, causing significant ground damage.
Casualties:
- Total onboard: 242
- Fatalities: 241 (including all crew); 1 passenger survived
- Ground casualties: At least 28 confirmed dead, dozens injured
Possible Causes (Under Investigation):
- Mechanical failure or engine malfunction (unconfirmed)
- Pilot distress reported within 15 seconds of takeoff
- Full AAIB investigation ongoing with participation from NTSB, DGCA, Boeing, and Rolls-Royce
Black Box:
- One of the two flight recorders was recovered within hours; analysis is underway.
National & Global Response
- PM Narendra Modi visited the crash site and ordered a national day of mourning.
- UK PM Keir Starmer expressed condolences, as 53 British citizens were on board.
- US President Donald Trump called the incident “one of the worst aviation disasters in history” and offered investigative support.
- King Charles III said he was “desperately shocked,” especially since the flight was headed to London.
Implications for Air India & Boeing
For Air India:
- The airline had been undergoing a major transformation under Tata Group, with hundreds of new aircraft ordered and luxury upgrades announced.
- This crash challenges their brand recovery, operational reputation, and transformation momentum.
For Boeing:
- The crash raises new scrutiny of the 787 series, especially amid Boeing’s broader safety and regulatory challenges following multiple 737 MAX issues.
The investigation into the tragic crash of Air India Flight AI 171 on June 12, 2025 is ongoing, and while no definitive official cause has been confirmed yet, multiple credible sources—including flight footage, preliminary analysis, and expert commentary—suggest key factors:
Likely Reasons Behind the Crash
Loss of Thrust & Potential Engine Malfunction
- Survivors and footage indicate the plane briefly climbed to only ~625 ft before suddenly losing power and descending.
Source: theguardian.com
- Reports highlight that the pilot issued a Mayday call reporting “no thrust” shortly after takeoff.
Source: news.com.au
Flap & Landing Gear Misconfiguration
- Video evidence shows the landing gear remained down while flaps were retracted—an abnormal configuration for takeoff.
- Several aviation experts suggest this aerodynamic setup dramatically reduced lift and induced a stall-like descent; some speculate a crew error—such as raising flaps rather than gear—may be involved.
Source: thetimes.co.uk
Mechanical & Technical Issues
- A whistleblower and passengers reported serious issues—non-functional cabin systems and air conditioning—on the same aircraft just two hours before, hinting at broader maintenance lapses thesun.ie.
- The 787 model itself has a history of technical concerns, including earlier battery fires and structural issues flagged by whistleblowers
Source: wikipedia.org.
Environmental & Other Possible Factors
- Investigators are also exploring other scenarios: bird strikes (common around Ahmedabad), fuel contamination, urban heat effects, or rarely, sabotage—but these remain speculative at this stage theguardian.com.
Final Thoughts
The tragedy of Flight AI 171 is a grim reminder that aviation, no matter how advanced, carries risk. The Boeing 787 was seen as a marvel of safety, technology, and passenger comfort—but even the most reliable aircraft can be vulnerable to failure.
While investigations continue, the global aviation community must learn from this devastating incident. For now, we mourn the lives lost—and look ahead to how the skies can become safer for all.
