Ahmedabad Plane Crash: 274 Dead, Black Box Recovered
Ahmedabad Plane Crash: The devastating plane crash in Gujarat’s Ahmedabad on Thursday has claimed 274 lives so far. Air India’s Boeing 787 Dreamliner (Flight AI-171), en route from Ahmedabad to London, crashed just minutes after take-off in the premises of BJ Medical College. The incident has deeply affected not only passengers but also local residents. Late Friday night, the recovery of the black box from the wreckage has provided a new direction to the investigation.
Details of the Crash
On 12 June 2025, at 1:38 PM, Air India Flight AI-171 took off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport bound for London. The aircraft had 230 passengers and 12 crew members onboard, including former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani. Just two minutes after take-off, at 1:40 PM, the aircraft crashed into a hostel building within the BJ Medical College campus in Meghaninagar. The plane caught fire after the crash, affecting nearby buildings as well.
Fatalities:
- Total Deaths: 274
- Passengers and Crew: 241
- Local Residents: 33 (including BJ Medical College doctors, medical students, and their families)
Only one passenger (seat 11A) survived the crash, while 41 others were injured, five of whom are in critical condition. All injured are being treated at Ahmedabad Civil Hospital.
Black Box Recovered: Major Turn in Investigation
Late Friday night, 28 hours after the crash, rescue teams recovered the aircraft’s black box from the rooftop of the BJ Medical College mess. The black box includes the Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR), which are expected to reveal the exact cause of the crash.
Expected Data from Black Box:
- FDR: Aircraft speed, altitude, engine performance, and take-off configurations.
- CVR: Final conversation between the pilot and co-pilot, mayday calls, and cockpit activity.
According to the Ministry of Civil Aviation, the black box data will be decoded within 48 hours. This will clarify whether the crash was due to technical failure, pilot error, or an external factor.
Possible Causes: A Cloud of Questions
While the official cause is yet to be confirmed, several possibilities are being explored:
- Take-off Error: Preliminary findings show that the aircraft’s altitude was just 825 feet with a speed of 174 knots—below normal levels. Improper landing gear and flap settings are suspected.
- Technical Malfunction: Possible engine trouble or disruption in fuel supply has come to light. In the mayday call, the pilot mentioned “loss of power”.
- Weather Factor: At the time of the crash, Ahmedabad was experiencing 43°C temperatures, leading to thinner air and reduced lift.
- Bird Strike: A possible bird strike is also under investigation, though the likelihood is estimated at 10–15%.
The chilling message from pilot Sumit Sabharwal and co-pilot Clive Kundar in the mayday call—”Plane isn’t lifting, we won’t make it”—highlights the gravity of the situation.
Rescue and Relief Operations
Post-crash, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Border Security Force (BSF), Indian Army, and local fire brigade launched immediate relief operations. Over 100 workers and 40 engineers have been deployed to clear the debris.
Challenges Faced:
- Fire and Debris: Due to full fuel tanks, it took hours to douse the flames.
- Victim Identification: Many bodies were charred beyond recognition. Parts from 319 bodies have been sent for DNA testing.
- Psychological Trauma: Rescue workers and medical staff are undergoing counselling due to the horrific scenes.
Heavy machinery and additional cranes have been brought in to accelerate relief work.
Victims’ Stories: Human Tragedy
This disaster has left families devastated. The deceased include:
- 10 Doctors: From BJ Medical College and their families.
- Pregnant Woman: Wife of a neurosurgeon who was caught in the crash.
- Jay Prakash Chaudhary: An MBBS student identified by his family on Friday.
- Vijay Rupani: Former Chief Minister of Gujarat, who was onboard.
Eyewitnesses said the BJ Medical College campus was crowded at the time of the crash, leading to civilian casualties.
Government and Corporate Response
Prime Minister Narendra Modi: Expressed deep grief and visited the crash site in Ahmedabad on Friday. He ordered a high-level probe and extended condolences to the families of victims.
Ministry of Civil Aviation: Minister Ram Mohan Naidu stated, “We will ensure the cause is identified and such incidents do not recur.”
DGCA: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation has mandated special pre-flight safety checks for all Boeing 787-8 and 787-9 aircrafts starting 15 June.
Tata Group: Owner of Air India, the Tata Group announced ₹1 crore compensation for each victim’s family and will bear the treatment cost of the injured.
Investigation Committee: The central government has formed a high-level committee chaired by the Union Home Secretary. India, the UK, and the US have assigned seven investigative agencies to collaborate.
Eyewitness Accounts
Witnesses described the scene as “hellish”. Tarun Patel, a resident of Meghaninagar, said, “The crash triggered a huge explosion and black smoke engulfed the area. People were running in flames.” Another witness shared that the hostel building collapsed entirely, trapping many underneath.
Boeing 787 Dreamliner: Technical Overview
The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner is considered one of the most advanced and safest aircraft globally. Launched in 2011, it carries 242–335 passengers with a range of 13,620 km. The aircraft involved in the crash was 12 years old and had undergone regular maintenance.
Boeing issued a statement: “We are deeply saddened by this tragedy and will fully cooperate with the investigation.”
Future Measures
- Black Box Analysis: Data expected to be decoded in the next 48 hours.
- Safety Protocols: New DGCA safety directives for Boeing 787 aircraft.
- Compensation: Swift disbursal of compensation to victims’ families.
- BJ Medical College: Temporarily closed; classes to continue online.
Helpline: Air India has released helpline number 1800 5691 444 for victims’ families.
