A detailed investigation is underway into the crash of Air India flight AI-171, which went down shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad on Wednesday afternoon. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner, registered VT-ANB and operating a scheduled service to London Gatwick, crashed just beyond the airport perimeter minutes after departure.
&ldquo;There is no confirmed cause of the crash at this stage. A full inquiry has been initiated,&rdquo; a spokesperson from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said, adding that all relevant agencies are actively involved in the investigation.
The aircraft took off at 13:39 IST from Runway 23 at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. Officials reported that a Mayday call was issued moments after take-off, but no further communication was received from the cockpit.
The flight was operated by Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, a veteran Air India pilot with over 8,200 flying hours, and First Officer Clive Kundar, who had logged approximately 1,100 hours.
There were 242 individuals on board &mdash; 230 passengers, 10 cabin crew members, and two pilots.
Eyewitnesses, including local residents and airport personnel, saw thick black smoke rising from the crash site. Emergency services were dispatched immediately, and rescue operations remain ongoing. The aircraft crashed just outside the airport boundary, suggesting a failure to gain sufficient altitude after take-off.
DGCA officials are currently on-site collecting flight data, cockpit voice recordings, and eyewitness accounts. Boeing representatives and technical personnel are also expected to join the investigation.
This incident is being regarded as one of the most severe aviation accidents in India involving a wide-body aircraft in recent years. Authorities have yet to release details regarding casualties or survivors.
While unverified speculation includes possibilities ranging from engine failure to flight control malfunction, officials have urged the public and media to await the official findings. The crash has sent shockwaves through the aviation industry and raised urgent concerns regarding safety and maintenance protocols.
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-----IANS

Air India plane crash near Ahmedabad Airport

Boeing 787 Dreamliner crashes outside Ahmedabad airport; investigation underway

Air India AI-171 crashes post-Ahmedabad take-off

Boeing 787 Dreamliner crashes outside Ahmedabad airport; investigation underway

June 12, 2025 | 16:16 IST