India is reeling from the devastating Ahmedabad plane crash that claimed 269 lives, leaving only a single survivor. Air India Flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner bound for London Gatwick, went down just 32 seconds after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport.
The aircraft, carrying 230 passengers and 12 crew members, crashed into a student hostel at B.J. Medical College, turning a routine flight into India’s deadliest aviation tragedy in over a decade.
An Experienced Crew and a Sudden Mayday
The aircraft was captained by Sumeet Sabharwal, a veteran pilot with over 8,300 flight hours, assisted by First Officer Clive Kundar, with another 1,100 hours to his name. Despite their combined experience of more than 9,300 hours, something went horribly wrong.
The pilots issued a Mayday call moments after takeoff, signaling they were struggling to maintain altitude. The aircraft rose to barely 850 feet before it stalled and plummeted into the hostel building. The black boxes, now recovered, may hold answers—but for now, the nation mourns.
Tragically, Captain Sabharwal had recently promised his father that he would retire soon and spend more time with family—an unkept promise now echoing across headlines.
Scene of Destruction at B.J. Medical College
The impact site, a student hostel, was filled with young medical trainees at the time of the crash. The Ahmedabad plane crash not only killed those on board but also claimed 28 lives on the ground and injured over 60.
Emergency response teams including NDRF, Air Force, and local fire units worked overnight in rescue and recovery. Charred luggage, broken passports, and scorched walls paint a picture of sudden devastation. Some hostel residents were trapped under rubble for hours before being rescued.
Technical Issues & Maintenance Red Flags
The Ahmedabad plane crash has raised serious concerns over the aircraft’s technical condition. The Boeing 787-8 had reportedly faced system glitches on a previous leg from Delhi to Ahmedabad earlier the same day. Issues included malfunctioning crew call buttons, temperature control failures, and communication problems—though the plane was cleared for takeoff again.
At the time of the crash, the aircraft reportedly had its landing gear extended and flaps improperly positioned, raising the possibility of either a technical failure or pilot misjudgment under duress.
This marks the first fatal crash involving a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, an aircraft that had previously been considered one of the safest in commercial aviation.
The Lone Survivor’s Miracle
Amid the horror, one life was miraculously spared. Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, a 40-year-old British-Indian businessman seated in 11A near an emergency exit, survived the crash with minor injuries. He is currently recovering in hospital and under psychological care. Authorities credit his survival to his seat location and the rapid deployment of emergency services.
His story offers a sliver of hope, though the emotional toll of being the sole survivor is immeasurable.
Investigation, Condolences & Compensation
An investigation into the Ahmedabad plane crash is being led by India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), with support from the NTSB (USA) and the UK’s Air Accident Investigation Branch. Both Boeing and GE Aerospace have pledged full cooperation.
Political leaders, including India’s Prime Minister and the British and Canadian heads of state, have extended condolences. The Tata Group, owner of Air India, announced compensation for victims’ families and long-term medical support for the injured.
Aviation Safety in Question
This crash has reopened discussions about aviation safety in India. Critics argue that despite previous tragedies such as the Kozhikode crash (2020) and Mangaluru (2010), systemic issues remain.
The focus is now on whether India’s aviation authorities will implement tighter oversight of fleet maintenance and crew protocols.
The Ahmedabad plane crash will be remembered not just for the lives lost, but for what it reveals about the gaps in aviation safety, emergency preparedness, and aircraft maintenance. As investigations proceed and families grieve, India faces a reckoning in the skies—and a demand for lasting change.
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