Tragedy Over Ahmedabad: What Went Wrong With Flight AI171?

The crash of Air India Flight AI171 just 1.5 kilometers from Ahmedabad airport has sparked an international investigation, with teams from India, the UK, and the US working to uncover the cause. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner went down shortly after take-off on Thursday afternoon, killing all 241 passengers and crew on board, as well as several people on the ground. This marks the first fatal crash involving a 787-8 since its introduction to commercial aviation in 2011.

Footage analyzed by BBC Verify shows the aircraft struggling to gain altitude before it vanished behind buildings and exploded. The final recorded data showed it reached only 625 feet before descending rapidly. Witnesses reported a loud bang, and India's aviation regulator confirmed a mayday call had been issued moments after take-off. However, there was no response from the cockpit after that call. The plane was flown by two experienced pilots with over 9,000 hours of combined flight experience.

One possibility under consideration is a rare double engine failure. Experts point to scenarios such as bird strikes or fuel contamination that could cause both engines to shut down. However, GE Aerospace, the engine manufacturer, said there is no current evidence suggesting such a failure, though they are sending a team to assist. The aircraft was nearly full of fuel—carrying 100 tonnes—which added weight and reduced take-off margin, especially in the hot Ahmedabad weather, which reached 40°C.

Bird strikes are also a concern in this case. Ahmedabad Airport is known for frequent bird activity, with 462 strikes reported across Gujarat in five years, mostly in this location. Such strikes can severely damage engines, particularly if birds are sucked into them during take-off. While bird strikes are rarely catastrophic, they could cause disaster if both engines are affected. The airport had already seen a 35% rise in bird strikes in the year leading up to the crash.

Other theories include a potential flap malfunction or error during take-off. Flaps are essential for generating lift, especially for fully loaded jets on long-haul flights. In high temperatures, like those in Ahmedabad, correct flap configuration is even more critical. If not properly extended, the aircraft might not generate enough lift to take off safely. While the 787's systems typically warn of improper configuration, it's possible that the checklist or alarm failed—or human error played a role.

Experts have urged caution in drawing early conclusions, citing the need to analyze the plane’s black boxes and physical debris. Some pilots remain skeptical of the double engine failure theory due to the lack of visual evidence in the released footage. Ex-pilot Marco Chan stated that no clear signs of engine flameout or smoke can be seen, suggesting other technical or human factors could be at play. He also emphasized how rare flap-related errors are due to the strict procedures followed by crews.

Ultimately, the disaster raises serious concerns about aircraft readiness, operational protocols, and airport safety. While the investigation will likely take months, the aviation world is already reviewing possible lessons. For now, all eyes are on the black box data and forensic analysis to determine what truly caused the final 30 seconds of Flight AI171's ill-fated journey.