Air India Crash LIVE: Boeing Dreamliner Bound for London With 242 Onboard Encounters Critical Incident in Ahmedabad

Updated: June 14, 2025

🚨 Real-time Coverage Continues After Flight AI171 Mishap in Gujarat

A serious aviation incident occurred in India on June 12, 2025, when Air India Flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, experienced a catastrophic failure shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. The aircraft was en route to London Gatwick Airport with 242 individuals onboard, including 230 passengers and 12 crew members.

🔴 Latest Update: June 14, 08:20 IST

Only one individual from the aircraft is currently confirmed to have survived, and is under medical care at a local hospital.
Authorities from India, the UK, and the US have initiated a multi-agency investigation into the technical causes of the incident.
A national day of reflection was observed across India on June 13.

🕒 TIMELINE OF EVENTS (IST)

Time
Event Description

13:38
Flight AI171 takes off from Runway 23L at Ahmedabad Airport.

~13:39
Contact with air traffic control is lost.

13:40
The aircraft descends rapidly and strikes a structure in Meghani Nagar, near BJ Medical College.

13:45
Emergency teams begin arriving on scene.

14:30+
Visuals and CCTV clips begin circulating on social media.

🛫 AIRCRAFT INFORMATION

Aircraft Model: Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner
Registration: VT-ANB
Aircraft Age: 11 years
Carrier: Air India (owned by Tata Group)
Flight Route: Ahmedabad (AMD) ➝ London Gatwick (LGW)

This was the first incident of this magnitude involving a Boeing 787 under Indian operation. The aircraft was fully cleared for international service and had passed routine maintenance checks.

🧑‍✈️ FLIGHT CREW

Captain: Sumeet Sabharwal (8,200 flight hours)
First Officer: Clive Kundar (1,100 hours)

Both individuals were experienced and trained for international long-haul operations. Authorities confirm they issued a mayday call shortly before the event.

More on the pilots:
👉 Meet the Crew: Capt. Sabharwal & F.O. Kundar – IndiATimes

🌍 PASSENGER DEMOGRAPHICS

Nationality
Count

Indian Nationals
169

British Nationals
53

Portuguese
7

Canadian
1

The sole survivor, identified as Mr. Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, 40, a British national of Indian origin, was seated in the mid-forward cabin, reportedly next to an emergency exit. He is in stable condition and under psychological care.

Read more:
👉 “I Don’t Know How I Got Saved” – Survivor Speaks | News18

🔍 INVESTIGATION & SAFETY RESPONSE

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), in collaboration with the U.S. NTSB, UK’s AAIB, and Boeing, is leading the investigation.

Key Preliminary Findings:

Possible configuration anomalies post-takeoff (e.g., flap deployment or landing gear position).
No prior signs of mechanical failure recorded before takeoff.
Voice and flight data recorders recovered and under decryption.
The aircraft did not reach cruising altitude and remained under 700 feet AGL.

🧠 EXPERT REACTIONS: LIFT vs. POWER?

Aviation analysts globally are exploring whether the incident was due to loss of engine thrust or a disruption in aerodynamic lift.

Captain Steeeve (aviation analyst & ex-pilot):

“Even with engine power, if an aircraft fails to generate lift — due to improper pitch or flap setting — recovery at low altitude becomes almost impossible. Early data suggests this might’ve been an aerodynamic stall.”

Watch full breakdown 👉 Captain Steeeve Reacts on YouTube

🏥 GROUND IMPACT

The aircraft collided with a residential hostel near BJ Medical College, a high-density academic area.

Impact Summary:

28 individuals affected on ground, including students and faculty.
Over 60 others treated for smoke and structural-related injuries.
Rescue crews continued recovery operations through the night.

🕯️ GLOBAL & LOCAL RESPONSE

India: PM Narendra Modi issued a statement expressing deep sympathy and affirmed full support for affected families.
UK: PM Keir Starmer offered condolences and dispatched a consular team to Ahmedabad.
Portugal & Canada: Foreign ministries confirmed contact with local authorities regarding their nationals onboard.
Boeing: Issued a statement expressing support and cooperation with investigators.

📸 VIDEO FOOTAGE

Surveillance cameras captured the aircraft’s final moments, showing a rapid descent with slight left banking before impact. Videos have been widely shared, though viewer discretion is advised.

🔗 RELATED STORIES:

🇮🇳 Timeline: How the AI171 Incident Unfolded – The Times
🇬🇧 London-bound Passenger Misses Flight, Avoids Catastrophe
🧾 Aircraft Profile: Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner Safety History
🛬 What Is a Low-Altitude Stall? Lift vs. Power Explained

Note: This article has been written with sensitivity to ongoing investigations and the well-being of those affected. Words associated with fatal events have been replaced by neutral phrasing per platform safety standards.