Mystery Surrounds Tragic Air India Flight AI171 Crash Near Ahmedabad

The tragic crash of Air India Flight AI171 has left many questions unanswered as investigators work to uncover the cause. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner went down shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad, crashing just 1.5km from the runway and claiming the lives of 241 people onboard and others on the ground. This is the first fatal crash involving this aircraft model since it entered service in 2011, triggering global attention and a detailed international investigation.

The flight was under the command of two experienced pilots, Captain Sumeet Sabharwal and Co-pilot Clive Kundar, who together had over 9,000 flight hours. According to Air India, the aircraft lifted off at 13:39 local time carrying nearly a full load of fuel for its journey to London Gatwick. Moments after takeoff, the pilots issued a mayday call, but there was no further communication before the jet plunged into a densely populated area, causing a massive explosion.

CCTV and video footage authenticated by BBC Verify showed the aircraft flying alarmingly low over residential neighborhoods before disappearing and erupting into flames. The plane reached a maximum altitude of only 625 feet before it began descending. Experts described the scene as chaotic, with the crash damaging nearby homes, hospitals, and government buildings. Some eyewitnesses also reported hearing a loud bang just as the aircraft struggled to climb.

One theory being explored is the possibility of a rare dual engine failure. While incredibly uncommon, such failures can be caused by fuel contamination or a blockage in the aircraft’s fuel metering system. Investigators are also considering whether the aircraft’s emergency Ram Air Turbine system activated, indicating a total loss of engine power. So far, no concrete evidence has confirmed this theory, but aviation experts stress its seriousness.

The possibility of a bird strike is also being taken seriously. Ahmedabad airport is known for frequent bird activity, with the region reporting 462 bird strikes over five years. Such incidents, though usually non-fatal, can cause significant engine damage if birds are ingested. Three Indian pilots familiar with the airport told the BBC that bird strikes are a constant concern during takeoff and landing at this location.

Human error is another line of inquiry, particularly whether the plane’s flaps were properly extended during takeoff. Flaps are crucial for generating lift at lower speeds, and their absence could prevent a heavy aircraft from becoming airborne. While the Boeing 787 is equipped with warning systems to alert pilots of such configuration errors, the theory has not been ruled out. One ex-pilot noted that while rare, misconfigured flaps could point to a lapse in checklist procedures.

The black box from the aircraft, which records flight data and cockpit conversations, will be key to understanding the final moments of Flight AI171. Boeing and GE Aerospace have pledged full support for the investigation, joining teams from India, the US, and the UK. Until all data is analyzed and debris examined, the aviation community and grieving families must await answers that could take weeks, if not months, to come.